KUCHING: Bullying in school is not something that can “toughen” kids up in positive ways as some misguided people would argue.
That’s why the police don’t take it lightly, said Kuching acting police chief Supt Ismail Mahmood.
In most cases, bullying can affect a child’s sense of self-worth and in extreme cases could lead to revenge as what had happened in the United States of America where several mass shootings in schools were mostly done by victims of bullying.
There were cases where parents were “advised” by school authorities not to report cases of bullying so as not to tarnish the reputation of their schools.
Recently, a Form One student reported that he was assaulted by a group of about 10 seniors in his school at Jalan Sultan Tengah at 2pm on Monday.
The victim, who lodged a police report after being advised by his principal, said he was hit on the right ear and chest in the school compound. He said he did not know why he was targeted.
In another school at Jalan Tun Jugah, a labourer lodged a police report, claiming that his son was punched and pinched in the school compound early this week.
He said his son had bruises on his body after being beaten and he refused to go back to school. He made the report to instigate an investigation and for his son’s protection.
Ismail explained that reported cases of bullying in school will all be investigated. Should there be enough evidence the case is referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) who then decide whether or not to frame a charge against the bully or bullies.
Once the DPP has made the decision and a charge is framed, the police will inform the school about it.
The police will then do a follow-up including talking to the students about the negative effects of bullying and how to prevent it.
Ismail said all schools have their respective police liaison officers who give talks annually and anti-bullying is one of the subject matters.
He also urged schools not to cover up any bullying case as it will escalate into more serious issues.
