KUCHING: Students here agreed with the Minister of Education, Fadhlina Sidek that teachers and school workers caught sexually harassing a person should be fired.
In stating this, Fadhlina recently said the government was dedicated to making sure that all children were safe in school.
She also said that the government had started a ‘Safe School Programme’ to make sure that students were not sexually harassed while they were learning.
MADELINA BUNGA MAGAT, 22
Second Year university student
I think sexual harassment in schools is a serious issue that needs urgent attention. To prevent sexual harassment in schools, there should be strict policies to encourage reporting of such incidents.
SITI HAJAR MAZLAN, 19
Form 6 student
Sexual harassment is a very serious problem that needs to be addressed promptly. No student should have to endure any form of harassment while trying to receive a proper education. Every school should have a clear and comprehensive policy that defines sexual harassment, outlines prohibited behaviour and provides a clear process for reporting and dealing with incidents.
NURUL IZZAH ABDUL RAHIM, 19
Form 6 student
Sexual harassment occurs quite often in school not only to students but teachers as well. Sexual harassment in schools can affect students’ academic performances as well as general well-being for a long time. I think schools should take proactive steps in educating students, staff and the administrators on consent, respect and appropriate behaviour to prevent cases of sexual harassment.
JONATHAN SIRAW JOHN WAYNE, 19
Student
Sexual harassment in schools is quite common today. Whether the victim files a complaint or report to request immediate action, the school must conduct an investigation and take appropriate steps to resolve the situation. For students to be safer, schools may need to develop and publicise new policies, depending on the severity of the harassment. Counselling, discipline or further separation of the victim from the bully may be necessary.
AARON JENSEN CHARLIE, 19
Student
Sexual harassment still takes place in schools today and it is very upsetting to see this happening. I believe one immediate measure that can be taken is to introduce a robust Sex Education course that can either be on its own or integrated into another subject. This way, students can be educated early on this matter, especially sexual harassment.
Teachers should be aptly trained to ensure that they can protect and monitor the students.
