Giving suspensions to bullies doesn’t help to change their behaviour

THE Education Ministry’s suggestion to enforce a year-long suspension on students involved in bullying cases is rather shocking, (‘Bullies may be suspended’ – The Star, Oct 17).

There is enough evidence to show that suspension is not successful in changing student behaviour, especially when used frequently and inconsistently. It often does more harm than good and is discriminatory towards those who actually need support and guidance.

The Education Ministry must determine the root cause of bullying before deciding on implementing long suspensions for bullies. The objective should be the proper rehabilitation of bullies.

Steps to prevent and stop bullying should start from as early as kindergarten.

Children must be thought about what bullying is and how and why it is harmful. This is an important foundation to stop bullying before it starts.

Teach a child the importance of empathy. A child who is able to understand what it feels like to be bullied may regulate his own emotions and would be less likely to engage in bullying.

Parents must set a good example. Stop making fun of other people in front of your children. Stop speaking rudely to others. Your children are watching and learning the bad behaviour from you.

Effective programmes to deter bullying must be formulated in schools.

A clear policy on how to discipline bullies and implementing consistent corrective measures is an essential component of the prevention programme.

All complaints of bullying must be investigated immediately to show that such behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

This will also demonstrate to students and parents that bullying is being taken seriously.

School heads should communicate with the bullies or potential bullies that stern action will be taken against them.

If cases do happen, the bully should be referred to a qualified counsellor.

If at all a suspension is meted out, it should be to facilitate investigations and should not be longer than one or two weeks.

The Education Ministry must engage in discussions with paediatricians, psychiatrists and counsellors to formulate a comprehensive plan on prevention of bullying in schools. DR N. THIYAGAR President Malaysian Paediatric Association