SHAH ALAM – Teachers should not be burdened with excessive responsibilities, as doing so can negatively affect the emotional and mental well-being of both students and educators, warns social activist Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam.
Ain, known for her advocacy in education and youth welfare, highlighted the importance of having a sufficient number of teachers to address underlying behavioural issues and provide early intervention before problems escalate.
“One of the clear solutions is by making sure that our teachers are not overstretched.
“When one teacher is tasked with taking care of 50 students, how are they going to be fully aware of the mental or emotional well-being of the young students,” she said when met here, on Karangkraf complex on Monday.
She added that many serious incidents, including stabbings and sexual harassment cases in schools, often stemmed from unaddressed issues in the perpetrators themselves.
“Making sure we have a sufficient teacher workforce allows for a more comprehensive solution,” she said, stressing the need for proactive measures to safeguard students.
Ain outlined three policy changes she believes Malaysian schools urgently need.
First, she called for the implementation of a National Anti-Bullying Act. Despite efforts by NGOs and civil society organisations over the past two years, bullying continues to affect students.
“If we don’t have the anti-bullying act now, then who is going to protect these students?” she said.
Second, Ain emphasised the need for specific anti-sexual harassment legislation in schools.
While general laws already exist, she said a targeted act is necessary to guide teachers, authorities and students in defining and properly handling sexual harassment cases.
Third, she stressed the importance of comprehensive psychosocial support and curriculum.
Ain recommended maintaining a minimum ratio of one counsellor for every 250 students and incorporating psychosocial and social-emotional learning modules into the school syllabus to safeguard the mental and emotional well-being of both students and educators.
She also highlighted the value of evidence-based comprehensive sex education, referencing United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco)’s 2018 guidelines, which she said could teach students how to stay safe without contributing to stigma.
“It’s not just about dealing with incidents after they happen. Preventive education and proper support systems are crucial to creating a safe and healthy school environment,” she added.
Ain’s call comes amid growing public concern over the safety and well-being of students in Malaysian schools, particularly regarding bullying, sexual harassment and mental health issues.
“By prioritising teacher capacity, strengthening legislation and providing proper psychosocial support, we can ensure both students and educators thrive in a safe learning environment,” she said.