Bullying awareness : Building Empathy and Kindness in Society.

What can be meant by bully?

Bully is a harmful behaviour where someone deliberately and repeatedly tries to hurt, intimidate, or overpower another person who is often perceived as weaker or unable to defend themselves. This imbalance may arise from differences in physical strength, social standing, knowledge, or access to resources, leaving the victim feeling vulnerable, helpless, and unable to effectively defend themselves. Bullying manifests in various forms, including physical, verbal, relational, and digital (cyberbullying), and it can occur in diverse settings such as schools, workplaces, communities, and online spaces.

There is two types of bully that will be discuss which is :

1. Physical bully
2. Cyberbully

What is physical bully?

A form of bullying that involves direct physical actions intended to harm, intimidate, or control another person. This type of bullying often includes aggressive behaviour that causes physical injury, damage personal belongings, or creates fear in the victim. Physical bullying typically targets individuals who are perceived as weaker, less able to defend themselves, or socially isolated, creating an imbalance of power that the bully exploits. 

However, this type of bully can occur by insecurity or past trauma. Bullies may act out physically due to their own unresolved issues, such as experiencing violence at home or in other settings. There are several examples of physical bullying such as punching, using feet to cause harm, forcing someone out of their space, holding someone against their will and others.

bully involving physical

How about cyberbully? Is it same?

No, while cyberbullying is a form of bullying that occurs through digital devices such as smartphones, computers, or tablets. It involves using online platforms like social media, messaging apps, gaming communities, or websites to harass, intimidate, or harm someone. Cyberbullying can happen at any time, making it difficult for victims to escape. It can occur in various forms including harassment, impersonation, exclusion, cyberstalking, outing and the spreading of rumours or false information. The effects of cyberbullying on victims are profound and far-reaching. Emotionally, it can lead to anxiety, depression, feelings of helplessness, and a significant drop in self-esteem.

 Victims may also withdraw from social interactions, both online and offline, as they attempt to avoid further harassment. Academically or professionally, cyberbullying can impair concentration and productivity, leading to poor performance or absenteeism

bully through digital

Is there any solutions regarding this issue?

Bullying should not be normalized in our society. Parents and teachers play a big role in spreading the words about how problematic bullying is. This is a few ways on how to prevent bullying from becoming a bigger issue.

Firstly, wardens in schools and colleges must actively monitor their students. Not only that, strict limits should be imposed on hate comments on social media to curb online bullying. Next, authorities should implement strict and firm laws to punish the perpetrators. The widespread culture of bullying is due to lenient enforcement of laws. Lastly, conduct street campaigns and awareness programs about bullying, including cyberbullying. Educating oneself about bullying is essential to address the issue effectively.

At least, we should know how to speak up against these bullies. Seek help if you ever get bullied in school. Bullying can cause severe trauma in someone life and can lead into issues such as low self-esteem and in extreme cases can lead to suicidal.

Bully is dumb!

Is there any Malaysian law that we can apply?

Malaysia Penal Code (Act 547) has a few sections that can be related to bullying. Section 503 explained about  criminal intimidation where this section deals with threats to cause harm to another person, which is often a component of bullying. While Section 323 explained about voluntarily causing hurt. If bullying includes physical harm or injury, the perpetrator can be charged with causing hurt. Not only that, we can also refer to other statutes for instance Education Act 1996 and Child Act 2001.

Furthermore, cyberbully also has their own statutes which is Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. In this statute cyberbullying, such as sending threatening messages or spreading harmful information online, is considered a criminal offense. Offenders can face fines or imprisonment. 

Nevertheless, based on the case Zulfarhan, we can see that the law is not firm enough to punish the perpetrators. They took about 5 years to get the justice that Allahyarham Zulfarhan’s parents always seek. We should not let it go easy as the bullying can get from bullying into murders just because they said he stole somebody's property.

Allahyarham Zulfarhan and his parents

In summary

Parents and guardians play a vital role in prevention by fostering open communication with their children about their online experiences. Monitoring internet use and educating young people about safe online practices can help them navigate digital spaces responsibly. Schools and organizations should implement clear anti-bullying policies, provide resources for victims, and conduct workshops to raise awareness about the impact of cyberbullying. Parents and guardians play a vital role in prevention by fostering open communication with their children about their online experiences. 

Monitoring internet use and educating young people about safe online practices can help them navigate digital spaces responsibly. Schools and organizations should implement clear anti-bullying policies, provide resources for victims, and conduct workshops to raise awareness about the impact of cyberbullying.

If you ever need help, please contact these number :

1. 15555 (Talian HEAL 15555)
2. 1-800-18-0066 (MIASA Crisis Helpline)

Reference :

1. https://youtu.be/OIBtxanyA6s?si=7EslNWYfDNFhTHQh