PETALING JAYA: The planned Anti-Bullying Tribunal will play a critical role, especially for those seeking independent recourse beyond schools.
The tribunal will shift the system from being purely school-managed to one that is accountable and victim-centred, says the Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE).
“The tribunal is not a ‘good-to-have’ – it is a necessary missing layer. A tribunal creates a consistent, independent avenue for families to seek redress, especially in serious or unresolved cases,” she said in an interview.
She stressed that while schools play a crucial role, they should not be the sole authority in handling bullying incidents.
“Schools are the first line of defence, but they cannot be the final authority in bullying cases.
“There are real constraints, like inconsistency, limited counselling capacity and conflicts of interest when schools investigate themselves,” she said.
“Gaps emerge when responses differ from one school to another.”
Parents, too, face problems in navigating bullying cases, often facing a lack of transparency and clear escalation pathways.
“Cases may be downplayed, updates are inconsistent, and there is real fear of retaliation against the child.
“Many parents are torn between accepting the school’s handling or taking drastic steps like going to the police,” she said.
The tribunal will serve as a third option, she said.
Noor Azimah said immediate improvements should be made to the existing system even before the tribunal is ready.
“The priority now must be strengthening what already exists with clearer reporting channels, standardised SOPs across schools and stronger counselling support.”
Consultant paediatrician and child rights advocate Datuk Dr Amar-Singh HSS and a group of medical professionals and civil activists said a tribunal alone would not be sufficient to tackle what they described as a widespread and deeply rooted issue.
The group, which includes former children’s commissioner Prof Dr Noor Aziah Mohd Awal, women’s rights advocate Ivy Josiah and lawyer Andrew Khoo, pointed to data showing bullying remains prevalent among school children.
They said efforts should prioritise prevention rather than relying on punitive measures.
This includes a “whole-of-school” approach with clearly defined anti-bullying rules, consistent enforcement, and the integration of social-emotional learning and conflict resolution into daily classroom activities.
“Teachers should also be trained to recognise and respond to bullying early, while parents need to be actively involved in prevention efforts.”
The group said schools should strengthen supervision in high-risk areas and introduce programmes that empower bystanders to intervene and support victims.
They said students at higher risk need more targeted support, including small-group interventions focused on social skills, anger management and restorative approaches.
For more serious or recurring cases, they called for structured interventions such as counselling and family-based support, noting that some children who bully may themselves be experiencing violence or distress at home.
“The underlying causes must also be understood.
“There is no quick fix. Sustainable progress will require long-term commitment and investment in preventive systems,” they added.
