Need for clear legal definitions of bullying

The Star

12 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Having clear legal definitions of bullying would make it easier to teach children about the issue, says a child psychologist.
Dr Noor Aishah Rosli, of the Gerakan Gubal Akta Anti-Buli (GAB) group, said an anti-bullying legislation would help teachers and parents explain to children exactly what constitutes bullying.
'A law has to explicitly define bullying. Is it pushing? Is it rough action towards victims?
'If the actions are clearly spelled out, psychologists can address the issue more effectively,' she said at a press conference in Setiawangsa yesterday.
GAB, which has been advocating for a specific anti-bullying law since 2022, is proposing penalties such as community service, rehabilitation centre placement or class demotion paired with mandatory counselling.
Noor Aishah said the root of the problem often starts at home, making early education vital.
'Parents and teachers, starting from preschool, are crucial in educating children on this,' she said.
Lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla, also present at the press conference, said existing laws are limited and lack robustness.
'Bullying is widespread and not limited to schoolchildren.
'We are not dismissing current measures, but a separate, specific law is needed,' he said.
GAB president and lawyer Wan Azliana Wan Adnan noted that the government had enacted the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, questioning why a similar effort could not be made for bullying.
'We have submitted a memorandum and report on the issue to the relevant ministries, legal departments, as well as the Education Ministry and Higher Education Ministry,' she said.
Wan Azliana also stressed that the proposed law differs from the recent Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code amendments, which target physical and cyber bullying.
'There are existing laws with various sections related to bullying, but a specific anti-bullying law would clearly outline every­thing in one place and define what bullying is,' she said.