KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16- The prevalence of bullying among students, which includes physical bullying, verbal bullying, and cyber bullying, stems from peer influence, social pressure as well as lack of emotional control among them.
Deputy Minister of Education Wong Kah Woh said that the Ministry of Education (MoE) monitors bullying behavior among students through records in the Students Discipline System (SSDM).
He said all cases of bullying are reported to the Principal and Headmaster (PGB) for further action. Meanwhile, the Guidance and Counselling Teacher (GBK) will intervene to ensure the safety and well-being of students while an investigation is carried out.
"Students found to be involved in bullying which is deemed to be a disciplinary offense, can be subject to a disciplinary action in accordance with the regulations in force under the Education Act 1996. PGB must take into account the student's previous disciplinary record in order to decide on the next disciplinary action.
"At the same time, MoE also summoned various agencies including the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the Penggerak Ibu Bapa Komuniti dan Swasta Group (PIBKS), the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the People's Volunteer Corps (RELA) to help MoE establish a safe school environment through safe school programmes," said Wong Kah Woh, in Parliament.
In the meantime, he informed that a total of 2,542 students in Form Four, Form Six, Year 1 of the Malaysian Vocational Certificate as well as matriculation college students participated in a pilot programme to curb bullying activities among students.
Known as the MADANI Generation Character Building Programme (GenMADANI), it is one of the consistent efforts of the Ministry of Education (MoE).
He said this programme is in addition to the prevention activities, rule enforcements and intervention measures led by principals and headmasters (PGB).
"Most of the modules used in the implementation of this programme include the domain of patriotism and nationhood with the application of elements of self-discipline, time management, physical and cognitive fitness as well as the practice of volunteering and social responsibility.
"Through this pilot project, MoE will expand the implementation of this programme next year in line with the MADANI Generation Concept by improving the existing modules," he said.
Dewan Negara was also told that the MoE uses four main aspects to deal with bullying, namely awareness, reporting, monitoring, and punishment.
Based on data from the Students Discipline System (SSDM), a total of 5,891 students were found to be involved in bullying in 2023, whereas, up to 31st October this year, a total of 5,703 students were recorded.