KUCHING: Rising cases of bullying and violent behaviour among students demand reforms not only in school discipline but also in emotional and legal education, says Kuching South City Council (MBKS) councillor Eric Tay Tze Kok.
He said the recent surge in threats and aggression among students across Sarawak and Malaysia reflects deeper psychological and social issues that cannot be solved merely by reintroducing corporal punishment.
“Caning alone won’t address the root cause. We must teach students to love themselves, value life, and manage emotional struggles positively — especially when they feel neglected or unloved,” he said.
Tay stressed that such extreme acts often stem from prolonged emotional neglect rather than mere curiosity or impulse.
“With the Internet flooded with violent and revenge-driven content, some students begin to see ‘extreme action’ as a symbol of strength. This distorted mindset must be corrected,” he said.
He also cited a recent case in Kuching where a student allegedly threatened to sexually assault and stab a female classmate 300 times.
Although the threat was verbal, Tay said it still amounts to intimidation and a criminal offence.
“We must treat verbal violence seriously because it has already crossed both moral and legal boundaries,” he added.
Tay urged parents, educators and policymakers to work together to instil empathy, compassion and responsibility among children.
He also called for a review of the Child Act, ensuring that juvenile offenders face appropriate consequences alongside rehabilitation programmes.
“At the same time, our legal framework should act both as a deterrent and an educator, supported by stronger psychological counselling and emotional education in schools,” he said.
Tay said a nation’s progress must be measured not only by economic growth but by its ability to raise a generation grounded in love, empathy and moral strength.
“Only when education and law move hand in hand can we truly curb school violence at its roots,” he said.
