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Amid growing concern over school bullying, SAYS spoke to a lawyer to find out what parents can do if their child is being bullied at school
Criminal lawyer Irwan Sumadi explained that parents may pursue legal action against a school if it can be proven that the school's negligence or misconduct led to a student being injured or bullied.
According to Irwan, here's a step-by-step on what parents can do:
Step 1: Stay Calm And Listen
If you find out your child is being bullied, Irwan's first advice is to remain calm.
"When you stay calm, your child will keep calm too. Then, make sure they feel safe enough to tell you the full story," he said.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
"Listen carefully and take notes — who was involved, when it happened, where, and how," he said.
He advised parents to keep all relevant messages, photos, and video recordings as evidence, which is important for making a case.
Step 3: Check For Injuries
"If your child has any injuries, be sure to send them to the hospital for treatment and get a medical report," he said.
Step 4: Report It
After gathering evidence, parents should first report the incident to the school.
"If the school doesn't take any action, escalate the matter to the Ministry of Education. And, if the case is serious, file a police report," Irwan advised.
He added that every report or communication made with officials should be documented in writing.
Step 5: Consider Legal Action
Even without immediate police involvement, Irwan said parents can consult a lawyer about civil claims (for negligence or damages) or to get legal advice on filing a criminal complaint (if the conduct amounts to a crime).
He explained that while only the authorities can prosecute criminal cases, a lawyer can help parents prepare and follow up on reports, and explore civil action where appropriate.
He added that courts have in recent years recognised possible liability by schools and education authorities in serious cases — but who can be sued depends on the specific facts and evidence.
"Civil action can be taken against the bully, the bully's parents, the teacher, the student affairs officer, the headmaster, or even the government," he said.
"Civil suits may result in compensation, while criminal cases involve punishment or imprisonment," he explained.
Ultimately, bullying should never be dismissed as "kids just being kids"
It's a serious issue — and in some cases, an offence under the law.
"The laws now are sufficient to protect the children. The issue now is public awareness regarding bullying. Many people witness bullying but close their eyes and ears to it," said Irwan.
According to the lawyer, parents have both the right and responsibility to act swiftly, gather evidence, and pursue the appropriate legal channels to protect their children and hold perpetrators accountable.
Watch our video with the lawyer here:
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
If you're being bullied at home, school, work, or online, please contact these Malaysian hotlines for support or to make a report:
1. TALIAN KASIH
24-hour
Contact: 15999
WhatsApp: +6019-2615999
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook
2. BEFRIENDERS KL
24-hour
Contact: +603-76272929
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
3. BUDDY BEAR CHILDLINE
Daily (12pm – 12am)
Contact: 1800-18-2327
Email: [email protected]
Facebook | Instagram
4. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (MOE)
24-hour
Contact: +603-88849325
WhatsApp: +6014-8009325
Website
5. MALAYSIAN COMMUNICATIONS AND MULTIMEDIA COMMISSION (MCMC)
24-hour
Contact: 1800-188-030
WhatsApp: +6016-2206262
Email: [email protected]
Website
