Ensuring schools remain safe spaces

MY daughter started primary school this year.

The transition from kindergarten to Year One went well although there was some trepidation during her first few days at school.

According to the school headmistress, the first few weeks of classes typically involved fun and games, as the children were getting accustomed to their new environment and would hopefully make new friends.

Things had been going well until a couple of weeks ago, when a classmate sitting next to my daughter slapped her in the face. The incident shocked my child.

When asked whether the slap was done playfully or whether the classmate was upset at her, my daughter said it came suddenly and was unprovoked.

After the class teacher was informed of the incident, the classmate was moved to another table.

I do not think this was an act of bullying. Perhaps the classmate was being mischievous or simply wanted to get my daughter’s attention.

However, it made me angry to learn that someone had hit my child.

There were also reports of other instances of mischief. Some pupils had discarded pencil shavings into another classmate’s bag and another had poked holes in someone’s bread.

Some children may not know that their actions are wrong.

While I believe that most of us have either experienced or witnessed acts of mischief or bullying at school, some acts are tolerable while some are not.

I believe that there is a fine line between mischief and bullying.

Children who are not properly taught that their actions could hurt someone, could go on to become bullies as adults.

As parents or guardians, it is our duty to educate our children on what is right and wrong.

Sit them down and explain to them that it is not right to hurt a friend or make someone sad or shocked.

Parents could also set up or join WhatsApp groups to not only check on their children’s homework, but also monitor what is going on in the classroom and then communicate with the class teacher about any untoward incident.

I also hope that in classrooms, teachers will regularly reinforce the concept that acts of bullying or hurting others are not acceptable.

While I understand that teachers have loads of work and much else on their plate, they are also responsible for safeguarding our children’s well-being within the classroom and school.

Last year, there were two reported incidents of bullying at schools in Perak.

One took place at a secondary school in Gunung Rapat while the other, at a prestigious boarding school in Kuala Kangsar.

Both victims were allegedly assaulted by their seniors.

Bullying in schools has been a longstanding issue and should not be dismissed by either the school administration or the Education Ministry.

Stern action needs to be taken to ensure that our children can learn in a safe environment, without fear of being assaulted or intimidated.

I am also all for second chances and sincerely hope that bullies get the opportunity to redeem themselves.

Just a few days ago, the classmate who had slapped my daughter asked if they could be friends.

I hope they can get along from now on.