I refer to the CNA report, “An underreported problem? Survey finds 30% of Singapore secondary school students claim they have been bullied.” (May 30) and “Jail for man who punched taxi driver for overtaking him” (June 05).
Most of us don’t like to see the occurrences of bullying in schools, as it reflects where do educational problems arise and who should be responsible for this?
Regardless what form of bullying in schools, either by the verbal abuse (humiliation, insults, slander) carelessly or intentionally or physical violence/aggression, it clearly shows that these types of unacceptable behaviours should not be condoned and must be timely addressed.
A student spends most of his/her daily time (at least 15 hours a day) outside the school, either with his/her circle of friends/peers or at home. Hence, it is the primary duties or responsibilities of the student’s parents to ensure that they behave duly according to the societal norms. And, most importantly, this inevitable responsibility cannot be shifted to the school’s authority or administrators.
The likely and underlying causes that result in bullying in schools are: –
The psychological imbalance of these young students (perhaps due to the influence and shadow of domestic violence since childhood)
Lack of proper guidance and discipline from parents since childhood.
Overprotective parents indirectly influence and gradually mould a child’s attitudes towards others. For examples, fostering selfishness, self-centeredness, arrogance and lacking empathy, respect and cooperation towards others.
Over negligence of parents towards the teaching of own children will alienate the relationship and trust between them. This could indirectly lead to a child suffering from the emotional support, confession and sustenance. Eventually, a child will be lacking self-confidence, self isolation, self-analysis and judgment. Worse, this could possibly/gradually result from getting acquaintance with bad influences and behaviours.
Hence, the moral cultivation and personality formation of students all fall into the hands of their parents
Teachers in schools will only perform or serves as a supplementary role in guiding, advising, monitoring and counselling the students under their supervision/charge.
Despite this, if the parents of the school’s bully or the relevant stakeholders do not take effective preventive measures in time or as soon as possible to correct those negative behaviors and negative emotions of the school’s bullies, these children/bullies will definitely have long-term psychological problems and violent tendencies when they grow up.
Through years of observations, I notice that a societal trend – from academic competition in school to competition in the workplace, it has now even expanded to “competition” on the road.
In short, from the frequent happenings of school bullying to “politicising” and backstabbing in the work place to road rage nowadays.
Anyway, all the above described behaviours and scenarios are actually meant to seek a momentary gain to satisfy own interests, desires or satisfaction.
This no matter how shows the self-centred, greed, selfish, and ugly nature of human nature.
Last but not least, when people recognize the essence and shortcomings of human nature, they should learn how to face and have the courage to break free from such constraints and difficulties and become an enlightened/civilised individual.
Teo Kueh Liang (Mr)
