PETALING JAYA: Fadhlina Sidek has reassured teachers that the new School Student Protection Policy will not place the entire burden of responsibility for students’ safety and wellbeing on their shoulders.
Instead, said the Education Minister, the policy makes it clearer about who should do what when concerns arise about the safety and wellbeing of a student.
“Don't worry. This policy is not about finding who to blame when something happens. Let alone making teachers the scapegoat,” she said in a Facebook post on Friday (August 14).
Fadhlina said that every party has their own responsibilities when dealing with cases involving students' wellbeing, including the Education Ministry, state Education Departments and District Education Offices, school leadership, teachers and frontline staff.
“The police, Welfare Department, parents and related parties are also part of the student protection ecosystem,” she said.
However, Fadhlina cautioned teachers not to delay action or remain silent when concerns arise regarding student safety.
“When receiving a complaint or having reasonable suspicion, report it immediately to the administrator. Teachers do not need to wait until they have complete evidence to report.
“After that, the case should be coordinated, actions determined according to the type and level of the case and referred to the relevant authorities when necessary.
“We want this procedure to provide clarity to teachers about what needs to be done, while at the same time ensuring that children are not repeatedly traumatised by inappropriate case handling,” she said.
Fadhlina also said teachers will not be left alone when trying to protect students, nor will they be left to face difficulties alone.
“We want our children to be safe. We also want teachers to be clear, confident and know that there is a system that stands with them.
“Protecting our children is a shared responsibility. Teachers should not shoulder it alone,” she added.
On Thursday, Fadhlina had called for calm and space for the ministry to explain the new policy, which sparked an outcry from teachers, as the policy is perceived to put an unfair amount of pressure on them to protect students’ wellbeing.
The policy was first announced by the ministry through a circular dated July 1 from the Education director-general’s office.
According to the circular, the policy requires school staff and external parties who have dealings with the school and its staff to sign a Letter of Commitment to Comply with the School Student Protection Policy for schools under the ministry.
“This policy stipulates that school administrators and stakeholders must ensure that all decisions and actions are based on the interests of students.
“This policy also guarantees students' rights to speak out safely and ethically, protects students from any form of threat, protects students' privacy and dignity, and supports student involvement in aspects of student well-being and welfare,” it said.
