‘Value-based system can help curb bullying’

Maszlee: It will create safer environment for students

PETALING JAYA: A value-based education system can be a positive factor in the effort to curb bullying and create a safer environment in schools, says Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik.

“Bullying is a serious matter to me, which is why we are putting forward a value-based education system based on love, happiness and mutual respect.

“Instilling good values will no doubt create a better and safer environment for students,” said Maszlee, in conjunction with the launch of the # StandTogether 2019 National Kindness Week campaign.

The campaign was initiated by R. AGE and property developer SP Setia in 2017 to tackle bullying in schools. A National Kindness Week has been designated every first week of April.

Maszlee added that the campaign was an example of how stakeholders can work together to stop bullying by using “preventative and corrective measures”.

“I believe anti-bullying efforts have to be made together, which is why the #StandTogether campaign is so rele- vant,” added Maszlee.

The ministry is also working towards creating an open school environment that would encourage children to speak up when bullying occurs, said Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching.

“I think what matters is the ministry’s approach in ensuring that children feel safe to speak up about bullying.

“Surveys and studies show that this is the key factor in curbing this problem,” she said.

Teo added that teachers were being trained to look out for signs that a child is being bullied, and that school administrators had been instructed to disclose bullying cases.

“We at the ministry have assured schools that they will not be penalised for exposing bullying cases. We remain committed to ensuring that children are safe in schools,” she said.

The Education Ministry’s educational planning and research division deputy director Rohayati Abd Hamed said all sectors of society have to work together to create a safer environment for children.

“We can’t expect only the teachers to nurture our children. We need parents and the whole community to support the efforts,” she said.

“That is why we need media organisations such as The Star to help us to reach a wider audience. The ministry really appreciates this collaboration and we hope we can achieve a bully-free nation together.”

The #StandTogether National Kindness Week will be held on April 1-5 this year.

Students and teachers can register for the programme and Kindness Project grant funding (up to RM1,000 per school) at www.standtogether.my.

As part of the campaign, Digi will also be organising “Kindness Workshops” in every state, where teachers and students will learn from Digi and International Medical University experts on how to prevent bullying and foster kindness.

For more information, email the #StandTogether team at alltherage@ thestar.com.my.