{
  "id": 10222820,
  "title": "‘One uniform SOP for all’ proposal to tackle bullying",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/one-uniform-sop-for-all-proposal-to-tackle-bullying",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-27T13:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/09/27/one-uniform-sop-for-all-proposal-to-tackle-bullying"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former deputy education minister P Kamalanathan has proposed a unified Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address bullying in schools and higher learning institutions. This follows the recent death of a 14-year-old Form 2 student in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan. Kamalanathan argues that different ministries currently have varying SOPs, and a nationwide anti-bullying SOP is needed with clear timelines: responding within 24 hours, investigating for seven days, and taking action within 14 days.\n\nKamalanathan emphasizes the importance of teaching children communication skills, empathy, and emotional literacy. He suggests that while STEM subjects are crucial, schools should also focus on teaching kids how to respect others, be active bystanders, and seek help. He advocates reviewing the wardens-to-student ratio in residential schools, empowering counsellors, and ensuring an anonymous, child-friendly reporting system for bullying incidents.\n\nEarly detection is crucial, Kamalanathan states, suggesting teachers and counsellors should be vigilant and act as the primary prevention force in schools. He calls on parents to play an active role alongside schools, urging them to observe their children's behavior and help eliminate bullying at home. Kamalanathan's recommendations were sparked by the tragic death of Idlan Fareeq Shahril, a 14-year-old student found unconscious in his dormitory, whose family claims he was a victim of bullying.",
  "summary": "Ex-deputy education minister says the various ministries must adhere to a '24 hours to respond, seven days to investigate, 14 days to action' policy.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "‘One uniform SOP for all’ proposal to tackle bullying",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/one-uniform-sop-for-all-proposal-to-tackle-bullying-10224758",
        "published": "2026-09-27T13:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}