Six Months to Study, Develop Module and Training to Address Mental Bullying
KUALA LUMPUR: The Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) has set a period of six months to conduct studies, develop modules and implement training before the initiative to address mental bullying is fully implemented at all educational institutions under the agency.
Its Chairman, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, said the effort will be carried out in collaboration with psychologists and social experts from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), in addition to involving counsellors and full-time wardens comprising former military personnel.
He said the six-month period is important to ensure that a comprehensive formula can be formulated before full implementation is carried out.
“The reality is that it is not easy to address mental bullying because it is not as visible as physical bullying.
“However, it is hoped that with the collaboration of UPM psychologists and social experts, MARA can find the best formula to address it comprehensively, together with counsellors and full-time wardens comprising former military personnel,” he said in a statement today.
Asyraf had earlier said that mental bullying is more severe than physical bullying and MARA will develop a special module to address the issue at all MARA educational institutions.
In his Facebook post, he said mental bullying in schools, including Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM), is not a trivial matter.
“It can occur in the form of ridicule, insults, humiliating nicknames, repeated sarcasm, ostracism, slander, emotional threats or acts of shaming someone in front of their peers.
“Although it does not leave physical marks, the wounds inflicted on a child’s emotions, dignity and self-confidence can be very deep,” he said.
He said since taking on the trust as MARA Chairman, one of his main focuses has been to make MRSM and MARA Educational Institutions (IPMA) the safest places for children to study, develop their identity and intellect, and build their future.
“It is not a place for them to live in fear, pressure or isolation. Besides the #YouTouchYouGo approach, which is not just a tagline but is translated through firm action including expulsion from the institution, various preventive approaches are also being undertaken.
“To me, any form of bullying, whether physical or mental, must be firmly stopped, and every member of the community must play a role in building a culture of respect, compassion and empathy,” he said.
Berita Harian