SHAH ALAM – The increasingly limited role of teachers in addressing student misconduct has contributed to the rise in bullying cases, says former minister in the prime minister’s department (religious affairs) Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri.
He said teachers must be empowered to play a more effective role in shaping students’ character and addressing disciplinary issues before they escalate.
Zulkifli said changes in the education environment had resulted in teachers facing constraints when dealing with student behaviour, while society’s expectations towards educators had also evolved.
He stressed that teachers should not only focus on academic performance but also serve as mentors responsible for instilling values, discipline and good manners among students.
“Teachers are not merely educators who transfer knowledge, but also figures who guide and shape students’ personalities.
“When their role becomes limited, it affects efforts to address behavioural issues, including bullying,” he said.
Zulkifli said tackling bullying required a comprehensive approach involving schools, parents and the wider community, as the issue could not be resolved through disciplinary action alone.
He added that values such as respect, empathy and responsibility must be strengthened from an early stage to prevent bullying from becoming normalised among students.
The issue of bullying has continued to draw public attention, with authorities highlighting the need for stronger preventive measures and cooperation among various stakeholders to ensure schools remain safe environments for students.