Enact specific law to curb bullying
OUR Government must take bold action to put an end to or at least control the problem of bullying.
There are many steps that can be taken to stop bullying in school. One is to either amend our Education Act 1996 or create a new law to specifically address bullying. Unlike the anti-social behaviour law which is being mulled by the Home Ministry to, among others, control the behaviour of minors in public places, this new law must specifically be targeted at bullying in school.
Under the United Kingdom’s Education and Inspections Act 2006, Section 89 (Determination by head teacher of behaviour policy) states that (1): The head teacher of a relevant school must determine measures to be taken with a view to:
(a) promoting, among pupils, self-discipline and proper regard for authority,
(b) encouraging good behaviour and respect for others on the part of pupils and, in particular, preventing all forms of bullying among pupils,
(c) securing that the standard of behaviour of pupils is acceptable,
(d) securing that pupils complete any tasks reasonably assigned to them in connection with their education, and
(e) otherwise regulating the conduct of pupils.
It further states in subsection (6) that “The measures determined by the head teacher under subsection (1) must be publicised by him in the form of a written document as follows:
(a) he must make the measures generally known within the school and to parents of registered pupils at the school, and
(b) he must, in particular, at least once in every school year, take steps to bring them to the attention of all such pupils and parents and all persons who work at the school...”
It is widely believed that creating and enforcing a strong and proper policy against bullying in schools is the first step in inculcating awareness among young pupils of the anti-social nature of bullying. A simple, yet clear policy would also establish a climate in which bullying is not tolerated.
Similar legislation has been implemented in the United States. All 50 states in the country have their own anti-bullying laws and regulations. Some of these legislations even require disciplinary procedures to be drawn up specifically to deal with bullying incidents while others mandate that schools track and report every case that occurs.
A growing number of states in the US also require schools to employ someone specially trained in anti-bullying education.
Besides having effective legislation, it is also important for everyone in the country to come together to send a unified message against any act of bullying. This can be done by conducting public awareness campaigns or activities targeting pupils, schools, parents and the community at large.