RATHER than addressing the deep-rooted and evolving crisis of school bullying, now manifesting as cyberbullying, psychological harassment and increasingly violent assaults, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has promised to offer incentives to schools that record zero bullying cases, as reported by a Malay news portal on Aug 17.
This deeply flawed proposal is potentially harmful in its implications. It would inadvertently drive school principals, senior staff and teachers to conceal, ignore or reject genuine reports of bullying to keep a clean record. Bullies will be emboldened and victims will be discouraged from coming forward, fearing retaliation.
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