Teasing, Grudges Trigger Student Conflicts That Turn Into Serious Violence

SHAH ALAM: Minor disputes such as teasing and insults should not be taken lightly when they escalate into grudges and a desire for revenge.

Assistant Superintendent Yusmar Yadee Salim from the Bukit Aman Gangsterism Prevention Unit said interpersonal conflict is often the immediate trigger in violent incidents involving students.

Among the causes include disputes, rivalry over relationships, insults, or prolonged conflicts.

According to him, the situation can become worse when students fail to control their emotions, gain support from friends, or begin planning retaliation.

“Bullying can create a cycle where the victim harbours anger, seeks support from friends, retaliates, and eventually the conflict becomes more violent,” he said.

He said peer influence also plays a role, as a person becomes bolder when in a group, with some friends even recording, cheering on, or encouraging fights.

Therefore, parents and teachers need to be sensitive to behavioural changes such as becoming more aggressive, frequently threatening, or talking about fighting and revenge.

More serious indicators include showing unusual interest in weapons, talking about obtaining them, or hiding certain objects.

However, Yusmar cautioned that a single behavioural change alone does not mean a student will act violently.

Instead, a combination of several signs and an escalating threat level should be assessed before intervention actions are taken.

He said if a weapon is brought to school and there is a criminal element, school disciplinary action does not prevent the police from conducting an investigation under the law.

Media Selangor