Jamaica and Malaysia officials call for stronger school anti-bullying measures

Officials in Jamaica and Malaysia are calling for increased measures to combat school bullying and ensure student safety.

In Jamaica, National Coordinator for Safety and Security in Schools Richard Troupe announced that the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is prioritizing bullying prevention through school safety interventions, conflict resolution, and restorative practices. Troupe highlighted the rise of bullying in digital spaces and urged parents and educators to monitor behavioral changes and intervene early to help students manage conflict.

In Malaysia, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has called on the federal government to adopt a more aggressive approach to addressing bullying. Citing a report of 5,681 bullying cases nationwide between January and August, Chow emphasized the need for proactive reforms, including stronger grassroots prevention and digital monitoring systems. He warned against schools concealing complaints to protect their reputations, stressing that student mental and physical well-being must remain the highest priority.