BULLYING (Both Victims and Bullies Are at Risk)

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
 makes life a wonderful journey.

            When somebody is physically assaulted or harassed, he will either fight back or run. Both will have unintended consequences. If he were to fight back, he will be charged with fighting. If he were to run for his life, he will be labelled a coward. A third option is to submit. If he were to do this, he will not only be hurt physically but also suffer mental and emotional trauma. 

            A recent video on social media that went viral showed a helpless boy being bullied by five other pupils. Will this be the last bullying video to go viral?

            The situation becomes more worrying as bullying, which had been a serious issue in universities and secondary schools, is now happening in primary schools. Until there are effective solutions to this problem, children in kindergartens and pre-schools could become the next victims to be infected by this “virus”.

            In the past, bullies were usually those living in poor neighbourhoods with low academic achievements. These days, however, many come from good families and educational background. They have good looks and manners but these can be deceiving.

            Some people may not realise that both victims and bullies are at risk and need to be saved. The effects are both short and long term. Victims may lose confidence, have difficulty trusting people, be depressed, score low grades and develop suicidal thoughts and feelings. Bullies may develop negative behaviours and attitudes, and become involved in crimes such as robbery, snatch theft or murder.

Various actions have been taken against bullies. School authorities have sent these hooligans for counselling, with some students even being expelled. Parents have advised, warned and even begged their children to behave. Campaigns, too, have been carried out.

We have put in traditional and modern efforts to curb bullying but to no avail. Nevertheless, we should not stop because our effort could save lives.

            Bullying cases should make us reflect on our roles and responsibilities in society. Parents who think that they have done enough should think again. Teachers, too, should never abandon good values in their lesson plans as the aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values (William S.Burroughs).

Every teacher should be inspired by the character, Erin Gruwell, in the 2007 film Freedom Writers for her passion and patience in changing the attitude of a group of problematic students living in a violent environment. 

Bullying has become a troublemaker's cup of tea. We will continue crying over spilt milk if the “vaccine” for this “disease” is not found.        

Courtesy of New Straits Times

10 January 2015