Forum: Better understanding of students’ experiences needed to tackle bullying
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I refer to the article “ MOE will look at four areas in review to improve how bullying is handled: Desmond Lee
I feel hopeful to hear that more will be done to improve schools’ partnerships with parents.
We need more clarity on what the current processes and reporting channels are in ensuring each child’s emotional safety and well-being. We also need more clarity on what constitutes a “safe space”. Is it about physical safety or emotional safety? The latter is a key ingredient in relationships and human exchanges.
Studies have shown that hurtful behaviours and reactive episodes by both students and teachers can stem from stress, emotional distress and unmet needs for both physical and emotional safety. From my lived and work experiences as a parent and counsellor, I know there are online emotional check-in surveys every term that students are encouraged to complete. I’m also aware of teacher-student check-ins on a needs basis and when time allows.
But how are the students’ sentiments understood and acted upon? For example, what do the students think about the current values education in their Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) classes? Do they encounter any barriers to access help when they are emotionally distressed?
We have heard from adults, policymakers, school staff and some parents. Is it perhaps time to hear from students themselves too?
Lim Hwee San
