BUKIT MERTAJAM, June 24 — The number of bullying incidents in schools has not increased, but videos of such incidents posted on social websites have.
Bukit Aman Crime Prevention Department director Datuk Ayub Yaakob said cases of bullying in schools and ragging in institutes of high learning existed, but because they were constantly shared on social media, there was a perception that the number of cases had gone up.
“In fact, there is no rise in bullying incidents in schools, but more on the social websites,” he said after closing the 16th national level police cadet camp at the co-curriculum centre in Alma here yesterday.
He said those who had an exceptional passion to share everything usually did it to gain attention.
“They want attention and therefore feel the need to share it with other people on the Internet,” he said.
He was commenting on a video depicting a schoolgirl being beaten up by a group of schoolmates in Sarawak that went viral on social media early this month.
Also present at the event were state Education Department deputy director Sharifah Abu Bakar and deputy police chief Datuk A. Thaiveegan.
Ayub said school police cadet corps was formed to instil moral values among students when they were young.
“Students will have a better understanding of the law. They will also obey the law and eventually become law-abiding citizens, therefore reducing the crime rate,” he said.
The police cadet corps was launched in March 1970 following the May 13, 1969 incident to spread goodwill and to create interaction and integration among communities.
A total of 115,075 students have undergone the training in schools nationwide.
“The students will undergo programmes to become physically and mentally fit to face future challenges in society. They will be an icon and model to society by staying away from social ills,” Ayub said.
