The recent viral video showing a young boy being ruthlessly bullied by his peers has left many, including myself, heartbroken and deeply concerned. Watching such blatant acts of aggression raises an important question: Why is bullying still so rampant despite numerous efforts to eradicate it?
While I commend the authorities for coming up with anti-bullying campaigns, it is clear that more needs to be done. Campaigns alone cannot solve this deeply rooted issue. It requires a multi-faceted approach involving parents, schools, the community, and even social media platforms. Everyone has a role to play in fostering a safer environment for our children.
Parents must take a more proactive role in their children’s lives. It is not enough to assume that schools will address every issue. Regularly monitoring a child’s academic progress, social circles, and behaviour can provide early warning signs of bullying – whether as a victim or perpetrator. Open communication at home can encourage children to share their experiences without fear of judgement or punishment.
Schools, as the frontlines of children’s development, must strengthen their anti-bullying frameworks. Having student mentors and trained counsellors can help identify and support at-risk students while addressing the root causes of aggressive behaviour.
Schools must also be transparent in dealing with bullying cases, ensuring that perpetrators face appropriate consequences while victims receive necessary support. Turning a blind eye to such incidents only emboldens bullies and sends a dangerous message to others.
Social media also bears part of the blame. Platforms often become tools for cyberbullying, where harmful messages and videos can spread like wildfire. As social media users, we should be held accountable to monitor and self-censor harmful content while providing victims with accessible reporting mechanisms.
Finally, as a society, we must act decisively to prevent bullying from escalating into tragedies, as seen in neighbouring countries where unchecked aggression has led to fatal consequences. Addressing bullying at its roots requires collaborative and sustained efforts from all stakeholders.
It is not just the responsibility of one institution or one individual. Parents, schools, and communities must work together to ensure that children grow up in an environment where kindness, respect, and empathy prevail. The time to act is now before another child becomes a victim of this preventable cruelty.
Not a Kapla
