WAYS TO CURB SCHOOL BULLY

Bullying is a common and serious problem in many high schools but such cases are
more apparent in boarding schools. This is because in boarding schools, students ‘live by’
the concept of seniority which in some ways ‘grant’ the seniors with the ‘permit’ to take
advantage over their juniors. Various steps have been taken by the authority to combat this
issue. Unfortunately, the cases of bullying have been only ¬ increasing in the past years.
Bullying does not only mean abusing someone physically, but it can also mean mugging,
verbal abuse, blackmailing and flaming. It is often said that bullies should be punished with
heavy penalties for what they have done, but little effort is put in to actually learn about the
bullies themselves. In some cases, bullies say they engage in bullying because they feel that
they are in control of the situation, unlike at home, parents pay little or no attention to their
existence. Teachers and parents are to be blamed partly for awakening a bully in someone,
but in the end, the person should decide wisely about engaging in bullying to feel better, or
seeking help from friends or professionals.

Like every problem, they are different ways to skin a cat – every problem has a
solution of some sort. Teachers play an important role in keeping schools conducive and free
from bullies. Firstly, teachers should identify bullies and approach them in a softer manner.
Teachers should also speak to them to take note of anything catching their attention. Bullies
sometimes just need people who would listen to them, and a simple talk can mean a world to
them. Teachers should also encourage students to not isolate themselves during group
activities, or friendly talks, to enable a bully to adapt well within the society. «Friends are
really important in a students’ lives, and it is believed that, only friends can change another
friend». Communication is key to building rapport. For instance, when teachers have open
communication with their students, their students will feel more open to talk to them about
their problems. Having classroom meetings is one way to build that communication. These
meetings can help teachers and parents to stay informed about what is going on at the school
and in the child's life. 

Adding on, schools should also take steps to educate bullies to let them know how
serious their problems can become. Yearly campaigns are organised in schools to educate
and let them know how bullying can ruin lives. In some schools, the bullies are brought to a
jail for a ‘field trip’ to witness the nasty conditions of a jail. Other than that, yearly national
campaigns like National Kindness Week can also educate the bullies to be kind towards their
circle of friends as well as to ensure that a harmonious environment can be created.
«Furthermore, interviewing inmates related to bullying can give a whole new insight to
bullies and may change them for the better. Most inmates regret their actions, and take part
in government programs to educate the young ones to quit bullying». During these
campaigns, it is also advisable to educate the students how bullying can also lead to other
big issues in the future such as getting involved in gang fights, murder, arson, and even
trouble with the law.

         However, force is needed at some point to change bullies, if the gentler methods do
not seem to work. Schools should enforce laws and come down hard on bullies. At this point,
staff training and educating parents will ensure that the whole community is consistent when
a law on bully matter is uphold. Therefore everyone can be on the same page and help
students to feel safe. Heavy penalties should be taken against them for their actions. Schools
can also reprimand them from entering classes by asking them to get involved in community
service activities such as sweeping the school. Public canning and school suspensions are
also necessary for bullies that are involved in much serious issues. Sure it might not be the
most pleasing way to correct bullies, but schools are not just doing these for the wellbeing of
the other students, but also want to break the bullies and make them snap out from bullying.
Besides, it’s the bully’s choice to turn a new leaf, and start a new lease of life.
  
In conclusion, bullying is a serious crime and can ruin lives. Bullies should change
for the better, and they are many other productive things to do than bullying. Failure to snap
out of bullying can lead to an unhappy, worrying and a paranoid life ahead. Prevention is
better than cure, bullies should realise and change before ending up in jail for their actions,
and then regretting.

Group members : Balqis Batrisyia binti Puad Sadat

                             Nur Hamidah binti Abdul Jabbar
                             Tun Nurdayana Saffiyah binti Tun Ahmad Pasha Aljazza
                             Nur Syafni binti Mohd Asyraf
(FORM 5K & 5M)