LETTER | Bullying enquiry must tread with caution

LETTER | Bullying in schools used to be within the complete purview of teachers and parents.

Law and enforcement rarely got involved as lockup bars and cuffs were too heavy-handed and inappropriate for the psychological effect they will have on young impressionable minds.

The case in Labu, Negeri Sembilan where a group of young students being remanded for bullying and rioting is an example of how quick law and enforcement have to react nowadays to such cases.

It is a clear indication that parents and teachers are losing the ability to sort out this type of serious aggression amongst youngsters today.

Skirmishes, mischief, fights, and arguments among students are part and parcel of growing up.

Although many have written strongly in the pursuit to eradicate this scourge it is almost impossible to do so as it is a common occurrence when supervision and administration in the respective organisation, be it a family unit, education system or employment, is weak.

Leadership weaknesses in the community are also part of the contributory problem as to why bullying gets out of hand.

Today we see dire consequences in certain situations that require investigations from many angles trying to identify the root cause when in actual fact it has much to do with the deterioration of moral and ethical standards at all significant levels of society.

Our unstable and periodically unethical sociopolitical landscape also has to bear the brunt of the blame.

We simply lack honest leadership in many sectors of contemporary society who are unable to call a spade a spade to rein in the little Napoleons who manage others by bullying.

Too overzealous

In the past, we have always maintained tough guidance with strong moral and ethical values that begins from the family led by parents.

Teachers then play a complementary role in shaping the young minds which are then polished by tough guidance during the transition to work responsibilities.

This is especially crucial for those who choose careers in essential services or in any regimented organisation that entails tough training during internships. It borders and can lead to the misinterpretation of bullying, especially by those who cannot hack it.

However, there have always been direct and indirect checks and balances to ensure that neither any individual at a supervisory level becomes too overzealous nor indications of low aptitude and attitude of a trainee are ignored.

This ecosystem-like balance was always supported by experience and knowledge in the relevant leadership. This delicate balance has considerably deteriorated over the years due to the fact that many who have positions and power, lack the merit and the intricate know-how of combining the required leadership, administration and management.

Some have slumped to managing by bullying although it is opined that these incidents are still not the norm.

Strict and fair discipline must be supplemented with empathy and those in charge must know when to take the foot off the pedal to ease the pressure.

Of late there have undoubtedly been some disturbing stories of bullying and those responsible for going overboard have to be taken to task.

The task force formed by the Health Ministry to probe into bullying will not find it easy to identify and prove the allegations as there is no clear definition or evidential ingredients to bullying.

It is immersed within subjective conduct and deeds with the ambiguous interpretation of an individual. It overlaps with the modes and variables of management and administration in any organisation.

This enquiry if misconstrued can demoralise the strict and firm supervisors who have been carrying out their duties diligently in wanting the best for their respective organisations.

It would be wise and prudent to tread with caution so as to ensure that all relevant parties are treated fairly during the enquiry.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.