Comprehensive approach to address school bullying issues

We agree with Ms Liang Wei Ting that we must take a serious view of bullying ("校园霸凌行为不可忽视, Mar 13").

Bullying is not acceptable and has no place in our schools.

In schools, students are taught the importance of respect and empathy for others. They also learn to look out for their peers, speak up against and report acts of bullying to school authorities. Students are also taught to seek help from trusted adults such as their parents and teachers, should they require additional support.

Given the increased use of digital devices among youths today, our schools have also placed a greater emphasis on inculcating cyber wellness. Through Character and Citizenship Education lessons, students learn to be discerning, safe, and responsible users of technology, and to be a positive influence on their peers.

Our teachers are trained to foster a positive classroom culture, look out for students in distress, and be proactive in addressing hurtful behaviour. Teachers are further supported by experienced school staff and school counsellors in dealing with bullying incidents.

When there are allegations of bullying, schools will investigate and follow up with counselling support for the students involved. Appropriate disciplinary actions will be meted out to help students understand that there are consequences for hurtful behaviour, and to restore relationships that have been affected. Schools will also work with parents to provide students with the necessary support both in and out of school.

We would like to assure Ms Liang that schools and teachers will continue to create a caring and safe learning environment for all students.

Ms Loh Wee Cheng
Divisional Director, Student Development Curriculum Division 1
Ministry of Education

全方位解决校园霸凌问题

谨答复《联合早报·交流站·青年视角》于3月13日刊登的梁玮婷同学投函《校园霸凌行为不可忽视》：

我们同意梁同学的观点，即我们必须严肃看待霸凌行为。

霸凌行为是不可接受的，学校也不会容忍这类行为。

学校教导学生尊重和体谅他人的重要性。他们也学会关心同伴，站出来反对霸凌行为，并向学校举报。学校也教导学生，如需要额外的支持，可向父母和教师等可信赖的成年人求助。

随着年轻一代越来越频繁地使用数码器材，学校也更加注重网络健康的教育。通过品格与公民教育课程，学生学会如何以明辨是非、安全、负责任的方式使用科技，并对同伴形成正面的影响。

教师都受过培训，以培养积极的课室文化，留意有异常表现的学生，并积极主动地处理伤害行为。在处理霸凌事件时，经验丰富的学校工作人员和学校辅导员会为教师提供进一步的支持。

一旦接到霸凌行为的举报，学校会进行调查，并为涉及的学生提供辅导支持。学校会采取适当的纪律处分，帮助学生了解伤害行为的后果，并修补受到影响的关系。学校也会与家长合作，在校内外为学生提供必要的支持。

我们向梁同学保证，学校和教师会继续为所有学生创造一个充满关爱和安全的学习环境。

卢炜桢
教育部学生发展课程司(第一司)统筹司长