Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh shared the causes of bullying in schools at the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) session, responding to questions raised by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Zainol bin Haji Mohamed.
The minister identified several factors contributing to students becoming bullies, including: influence from family or parents, where students are subjected to aggressive or violent behaviour at home, or witness family members being abused; lack of discipline; lack of religious education at home; peer and environmental influences; and students who feel they should not be challenged.
Data collected over the past three years shows a reduction in bullying cases, decreasing from 734 in 2023 to 447 in 2024.
Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah also outlined the procedures schools must follow when bullying incidents occur. She stated that the Ministry of Education (MoE) has issued Notification letter No 2/2025, detailing guidelines and action procedures at the school level to address bullying, gang-related behaviour and drug abuse. If a student commits these offences, the MoE, through the Department of Schools, will take appropriate action according to the standard operating procedure (SOP) and collaborate with relevant agencies, such as the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Community Development Department (JAPEM) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
The actions would first include internal suspension at the school level for five to 10 school days, during which the student will attend school under the supervision of an appointed officer and undertake community work either in or outside school, in collaboration with appropriate government or non-government agencies. Secondly, the student must sign an agreement not to repeat the offence and to comply with school rules, in the presence of parents/guardians and school staff. Thirdly, parents/guardians must sign a letter of consent allowing their child to undergo the actions imposed by the school. Students will also attend counselling sessions at school.
Students who repeat these offences will be required to follow a special programme under the supervision of the National Service Programme Division, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, for a period to be determined.
Preventive measures, based on education and counselling, have been implemented through awareness models and intervention programmes to educate students about negative influences before issues escalate.
The MoE conducts regular monitoring to supervise students throughout school hours, organises awareness programmes and activities and holds the annual BEST (anti-bully) programme in all schools.
If an incident involves criminal elements or drug misuse, authorities such as the RBPF, the Internal Security Department (KDN) and related agencies are involved for immediate action. Regarding the study of bullying causes, the minister reiterated that family influence is a significant factor. Students become bullies when they experience or witness aggressive or violent behaviour at home.
In response to LegCo member Yang Berhormat Amran bin Haji Maidin’s question about the effectiveness of the GINIS programme, the minister explained that it is implemented in collaboration with 10 government agencies: the Prisons Department, RBPF, Department of Islamic Law, Religious Understanding and Counselling Unit, Islamic Da’wah Centre, JAPEM, NCB, Adat Istiadat Negara Department, KDN and Cyber Security Brunei. The programme takes a comprehensive approach to addressing social issues among secondary school students.
Thirty-two secondary schools have participated in the programme, involving 3,911 students last year. It targets Year 9 students, who are entering adolescence and developing greater independence.
Early assessments show that over 60 per cent of students strongly agree that the GINIS initiative raises awareness of negative issues, educates students on positive values and reduces negative influences that can affect discipline and safety at school. The programme’s effectiveness will be continually evaluated for future improvements. – James Kon
