Ways to curb bullying in schools
Many students believe they should be the ones addressing the issue rather than participating in the usual programmes planned and implemented by adults and the authorities.
From: James Nayagam via email
Over the past few weeks I have been discussing with school students ways to curb bullying in schools.
Some feel that the presence of CCTV cameras around the school has in some ways contributed to preventing incidences of bullying.
Interestingly students believe that they should be the ones addressing the issue rather than participating in the usual programmes planned and implemented by adults and the authorities.
According to a news report in 2014, the number of bullying cases in Guam dropped by 80% since 2010, from 930 to about 160 cases, after the introduction of student-led anti-bullying programmes.
Another effective method, is to have parents form a vigilante group who are present outside the school premises before the school session begins and after the school session ends.
This is currently practised by a school in Perak, where parents take turns to be present to monitor the safety of students as they arrive and depart from school.
Another effective method is to conduct talks on Human Rights in schools to educate children on the United Nations Rights of The Child.
Studies show that in Malaysia the incidences of bullying dropped by 30% in schools where such talks were conducted. It could be because students began to realise the importance of respecting their fellow schoolmates.
James Nayagam is Chairman of Suriana Welfare Society Malaysia.
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