Schools must invest in CCTV, alarms to curb bullying - Activist
Culture of empathy, mutual respect needed to end school bullying
SHARIFAH SHAHIRAH
SHAH ALAM - Setting up Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) and alarm systems in schools is essential to address any instances of student violence, regardless of the cost involved.
According to veteran social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, investing in such security measures is crucial for ensuring students' safety and creating safer school environments.
He added that bullying in schools, particularly in bording schools, is becoming increasingly severe, with more incidents occurring in residential schools compared to regular ones.
“Now, this problem has been going on for many years, but we have yet to tackle this problem and find a solution.
"Bullying in school is something that must be taken very seriously.
“Something very drastic has to be done to deal with the problem.
"We cannot allow bully to happen in school. Culture violence should never be tolerated in any school,” he told Sinar Daily when contacted yesterday.
Lee stressed the gravity of the situation, emphasising that if left unaddressed, bullying within schools could contribute to the escalation of violence within society at large.
He called for both short-term and long-term strategies to tackle the problem effectively.
"In the short term, discipline teachers must administer severe punishment to bullies, and swift action must be taken against perpetrators," Lee suggested.
He proposed the installation of alarm systems in residential schools to enable victims to alert security personnel promptly in the event of any incidents.
Lee highlighted the practicality of implementing alarm systems, particularly in hostels, where the distance between buildings can impede timely interventions.
He emphasised that while there may be associated costs, the investment is justified by the invaluable benefits it offers in ensuring the safety and well-being of students.
"CCTV should be strategically placed in areas where students spend significant time, such as hostels, to facilitate prompt intervention in case of any untoward incidents," he said.
In addition to enhancing physical security measures, Lee advocated for long-term initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of empathy and mutual respect among students.
He recommended the importance of counseling programmes organised by trained educators to educate students about the consequences of bullying and promote positive behaviour.
Lee also suggested that security guards should conduct patrols regularly, especially on weekends, to deter bullying and enhance school safety.
"It is imperative that students are encouraged to report any issues they encounter to teachers rather than resorting to vigilantism.
"By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, we can empower students to prioritise their studies and personal development while rejecting violence and intimidation," Lee added.
