Teachers’ union wants bullying to be addressed urgently
There are cases of teachers being bullied or threatened by students involved in gangsterism, but no reports were made for fear of their personal safety outside the school.
SIBU: Gangsterism and bullying in schools need to be addressed before they descend into more serious problems, Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) president Jisin Nyud said.
“We hear of students physically assault, intimidate or verbally abuse a teacher sometimes at a level more than just an angry exchange of words.
“There are cases of teachers being bullied or threatened by students involved in gangsterism, but no reports were made for fear of their personal safety outside the school.”
“But reports have to be made for action to be taken against bullies. Most teachers hide so as not to mar the school’s reputation, but this problem has to be addressed before it gets more serious.”
“The bottom line is we don’t want gangsters or bullies in schools
Jisin Nyud, Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) president
and there is no compromise as all too often, belligerent and bullying students have no appreciation of the cost of their actions.”
Jisin was reacting to Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid’s recent statement urging teachers to report bullying for their own safety and to prevent untoward incidents.
Mahdzir said he was willing to work with parents who want to send their children involved in gangsterism or bullying to rehabilitation centres.
Jisin said: “Besides exposing students to moral values in schools, parents need to understand that ‘caring’ does not mean ‘coddling’ as children must be taught respect and self-restraint.
“This is where schools and community work together to ensure students and teachers are able to enjoy a safe and conducive environment for learning.”