Halting Films on Bullying Is Not the Solution

SHAH ALAM: Stopping the production of films or dramas depicting bullying is not the solution, as such works can also serve as a medium to raise awareness and educate the public.

Malaysian Artistes Association (Seniman) president Rozaidi Abdul Jamil, better known as Zed Zaidi, said every production must undergo a censorship process before it is screened to the public.

He said storylines depicting negative behaviour could also highlight the consequences and punishment arising from such actions, serving as a lesson for viewers.

“In my view, this is not a reason for us to stop films that portray bullying, because every film has its own consequences and lessons,” he said.

He was commenting on a statement by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who called for dramas or films that indirectly promote a culture of bullying to be stopped over concerns that they could trigger “copycat” behaviour among young people.

Zed Zaidi said stopping such productions altogether could also deny industry players the creative space to convey messages about bullying.

“If filmmakers want to portray bullying differently and in a less violent manner, there are various approaches they can take because that is part of the creative process,” he said.

He also said the influence of video games and social media on young people should be given attention, particularly in a digital environment where a wide range of content can be accessed without boundaries.

“So, don’t blame films entirely because this issue is also related to how social media is used,” he said.

“Video games should also be given attention because some contain elements of violence without showing the consequences or punishment, as is commonly portrayed in films.

“In video games, sometimes there is no lesson like there is in films. When a character commits a killing, the game simply continues the action without showing any punishment or consequences,” he said.

Zed Zaidi said excessive use of smartphones and video games could also influence the daily routines of young people, reducing their interaction with the physical world around them.

“In the past, we would go out to parks and meet our friends, but now video games and mobile phones have become so closely integrated into children’s lives that they can influence their behaviour,” he said.

He said films play a role in conveying the message that wrongdoing has consequences, helping viewers understand the impact of their actions.

“Films show that certain actions are wrong, and when a character eventually changes for the better, it indirectly teaches viewers that every action has consequences,” he said.

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