GEORGE TOWN: The Anti-Bullying Act should be implemented using a gender-sensitive approach instead of a one-size-fits-all model, says Penang Women’s Development Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng.
While the Act would provide a mechanism to address bullying cases and protect victims, she said key gaps must be addressed to ensure meaningful impact.
“Bullying is not gender-neutral in reality.
“The authorities need to be aware of the different scenarios and prepare accordingly.
“Girls face higher risk of cyberbullying, body shaming and sexual harassment, while boys are more exposed to physical aggression and toxic masculinity norms.
“Without a gender lens, the Act risks treating unequal realities as equal,” she said.
The Act, which was passed by Parliament in December last year, aims to provide a legal framework to address bullying, including physical, psychological and cyber forms.
It also provides for mechanisms such as a Tribunal for Anti-Bullying to address complaints, redress and compensation.
Ong, when contacted, said that the tribunal would enable victims to seek redress or compensation.
“This complements earlier legal reforms criminalising physical, psychological and cyberbullying.
“It is a critical shift from treating bullying as a disciplinary issue to recognising it as a rights, safety and justice issue.”
She added that under-reporting remained a persistent challenge, especially among children.
“It is always a challenge when it comes to how much is reported at the school level,” she said.
Ong said the Penang Women’s Development Corporation had taken steps to address online sexual harassment and cyberbullying through a task force set up with support from the state government.
Last week, Perak education committee chairman Khairudin Abu Hanipah told the state assembly meeting that there had been 24 bullying cases throughout the state within the first two months of the year.
They comprised 18 cases in schools, four in hostels, and two incidents outside school areas, he said.
“The highest number of cases was recorded in Manjung with nine cases in total,” he said.
Khairudin said the state government had outlined key initiatives to deal with the problem, citing an empowerment programme for senior assistants in charge of student affairs conducted last month to strengthen their competency in handling student issues, particularly bullying and matters involving student safety.
The Perak Education Department also held a state-level workshop for discipline teachers to strengthen enforcement capacity and procedural compliance, he said.
Last year, there were 163 bullying cases in Perak schools, with 136 occurring on school premises, 22 in hostels and five outside school grounds.
