War on bullying starts at home

Bullying has evolved from a simple playground issue to a systemic problem plaguing schools worldwide. In 2024, over 5.4 million students reported experiencing bullying, with Unicef reporting that at least one in three children aged 13 to 15 globally suffer from its effects. The severity of the issue has escalated to the point of fatal consequences, as seen in the tragic incident in Kuala Pilah, where a 16-year-old allegedly murdered a 14-year-old student following suspected bullying.

Blaming schools and education authorities for this crisis is illogical. The problem originates at home, where dysfunctional family environments foster aggression, impulsivity, and anxiety in children. Parents bear the primary responsibility in preventing bullying, as they cannot rely on schools to address the psychological trauma caused by inadequate home environments.

Cyberbullying, too, has become a significant concern, with 23% of Malaysian parents reporting their children as victims. This relentless, 24/7 torment through digital platforms exacerbates the emotional distress children already face, pushing some to attempt suicide.

To combat this epidemic, parents must actively cultivate emotional resilience and set firm boundaries for their children from an early age. Only by addressing the root cause at home can we hope to eliminate bullying and protect children's mental wellbeing.