Wan Azizah calls for educative approach to address school bullying

PORT DICKSON: Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (pix) today called for an educative and rehabilitative approach rather than punishment in addressing cases of bullying in schools.
The Deputy Prime Minister said bullies must be rehabilitated so that they can be accepted back into their community, peer and family groups.
"In this regard, all quarters must play a proactive role to ensure that bullying can be curbed and efforts towards that objective can be improved," she said when launching the 'Malaysia against Bullies' programme at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tinggi Port Dickson here.
The programme was organised to raise students' awareness of the consequences of bullying on them.
Wan Azizah, who is also Women, Family and Community Development Minister, also urged teachers, counsellors, parents and other adults to be sensitive towards any change in the behaviour of students.
She said immediate action must be taken if a student exhibits a tendency to engage in bullying.
“If you receive reports of bullying, make sure that action is taken. Do not delay acting on the reports. We are responsible for the safety and well-being of the students, and this cannot be compromised,” she said.
Dr Wan Azizah also visited the Port Dickson Health Clinic where she was welcomed by Port Dickson District Health Officer II Dr Rosni Odin.
She was taken on a tour of the outpatient unit; maternal and child health unit; and dental service unit. — Bernama