SIBU: As bullying increasingly extends beyond school corridors into the digital world, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Mandarin Sibu has taken a proactive step to strengthen youth awareness.
It brought legal professionals directly into the classroom to educate students on the real-world consequences of bullying and cyberbullying.
Hundreds of students at SMK Chung Hua here participated in an Anti-Bullying & Cyberbullying Public Awareness Talk organised by JCI Mandarin Sibu recently.
The students gained valuable insights into how harmful behaviour – whether committed face-to-face or online – can carry serious emotional, social and legal repercussions.
The one-hour programme featured lawyers, Boston Ho Teck Howe and Tevaasiny Vijayakumarj.
The speakers combined legal expertise with practical case examples to help students better understand their rights, responsibilities and the legal framework governing bullying-related offences in Malaysia.
They highlighted that bullying today is no longer confined to physical intimidation.
Digital platforms have become fertile ground for harassment, intimidation and abuse, making cyberbullying one of the fastest-growing challenges faced by young people.
Students were introduced to the various forms of bullying and cyberbullying, including online harassment, threats, doxxing, the spread of false information, and the unauthorised sharing of personal data.
They also learned about Malaysia’s age of criminal responsibility, legal liabilities involving minors, and the consequences individuals may face for unlawful online conduct.
Throughout the session, the speakers stressed an important message: being below the age of 18 does not automatically shield a person from legal accountability.
While the law provides different considerations for children of certain ages, minors can still be held responsible for actions that violate the law.
Beyond explaining legal consequences, the programme encouraged students to become responsible digital citizens by exercising caution before posting, commenting or sharing content online.
Practical guidance was also provided on how students should respond when they experience or witness bullying, reinforcing the importance of speaking up, seeking help, and supporting victims.
Speaking at the event, JCI Mandarin Sibu’s President, Simon Tiong Yong Yee, said the organisation believes education remains one of the most effective tools in preventing bullying before it escalates.
“Bullying and cyberbullying are no longer isolated school issues. They are community issues that demand collective action. Every student deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe, respected and valued,” he added.
“Through legal awareness and education, we hope young people will not only understand the consequences of their actions but also develop empathy, respect and responsibility in both their physical and digital interactions.”
He added that empowering youth begins with knowledge, and that fostering responsible behaviour today helps shape ethical leaders and responsible citizens of tomorrow.
He also expressed appreciation to SMK Chung Hua for its support in hosting the programme, as well as to the speakers for volunteering their professional expertise in educating the younger generation.
“The Anti-Bullying & Cyberbullying Awareness Talk forms part of JCI Mandarin Sibu’s flagship ‘Community Area of Opportunity’ initiatives, reflecting the organisation’s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful social impact through education, leadership development and community engagement,” he said.
“Through collaborations with schools, professionals and community partners, we will continue to champion initiatives that empower young people and address pressing issues affecting today’s society.”
