KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 – Bullying is a widespread issue that affects children both in physical settings like schools and playgrounds, and increasingly in the digital realm. Since the pandemic, online bullying has surged, with anonymous attacks in chats and social media posts spreading venomous and hurtful messages. Alarmingly, school bullying incidents rose to 4,994 cases in 2023, up from 3,887 cases the previous year, according to the Ministry of Education’s Sistem Sahsiah Diri Murid (SSDM) statistics.
The long-lasting consequences of bullying impact students’ self-esteem, academic performance, and overall well-being, making it crucial to address its root causes and develop effective prevention strategies. Schools play a pivotal role in combating bullying by fostering empathy, respect, compassion, and kindness through targeted programs. Implementing a Humanistic Learning Model, which encourages personal growth and transformation, alongside social-emotional and dialogic learning, can significantly reduce bullying by promoting mutual respect and appreciation.
Soka International School Malaysia (SISM) emphasizes this approach, creating an engaging environment tailored to individual needs and learning styles. SISM’s holistic methods help students thrive, supported by private counsellors for guidance on sensitive topics like bullying. By integrating these practices, schools can build a compassionate community where students develop the emotional intelligence needed to navigate social challenges and create a supportive, respectful environment for all.
