Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Primary School’s Information and Communications Technology Department Head Bethsaida Sebastian Ruiz emphasised the negative effects of bullying, violence and cyberbullying as well as the importance of digital literacy and the safe use of technology among students to navigate online spaces responsibly during a ‘Stop Bullying’ talk at the school yesterday.
The talk aimed at empowering students with the knowledge and courage to take appropriate action by providing strategies for them to use upon encountering bullying, was part of the school’s ‘Anti-Bullying, No to Violence and Anti-Cyberbullying’ campaign.
Principal Hajah Mariam binti Haji Ladi officiated the campaign.
The initiative supports the Ministry of Education’s BEST Programme (Bantu, Empati, Sayangi, Tanggungjawab) and coincided with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) International Day Against Violence and Bullying at School, including Cyberbullying.
Some 900 students from Years 1 to 5 attended the campaign.
A trainer from Cyber Security Brunei will also conduct a cybersecurity talk for Year 6 students tomorrow and for Years 4 and 5 on November 25.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the impacts of bullying and violence by educating students on the psychological and social harms as well as empower students to act responsibly and courageously by teaching them to safely report and respond to bullying, both in person and online.
It also served to support digital citizenship and positive online behaviour by encouraging students to act respectfully and responsibly when interacting in digital spaces as well as reinforcing the BEST Programme Goals to create safer, more inclusive schools. Students also participated in classroom-based activities, including a colouring contest for Years 1 and 2, a free-hand drawing contest for Year 3, and a pledge wall for Years 4 and 5.
The activities reinforced the campaign’s message and promoted ongoing awareness within the school community, equipping students with practical knowledge and encouraging discussions on positive social interactions. – James Kon
