BULLYING in school used to be the purview of teachers and parents. Law and enforcement rarely got involved as lockup bars and cuffs were simply too heavy-handed and inappropriate for the psychological effect they would have on young, impressionable people.

The case in Labu, Negeri Sembilan, in which a group of young students were remanded for bullying and rioting, is an example of how quick law and enforcement react nowadays to such cases. It is a clear indication that parents and teachers are losing the ability to sort out this type of serious aggression among youngsters today.

Mischief, fights and arguments are part and parcel of growing up. Although many have written strongly to eradicate these, it is almost impossible to do so as they are common occurrences when supervision and administration at home, school or the workplace are weak.

Leadership weaknesses in the community also contribute to the problem. When bullying gets out of hand, we see dire consequences that require investigation from many angles to identify the root cause. In actual fact. it has much to do with the deterioration of moral and ethical standards at all levels of society.

Our unstable and periodically unethical sociopolitical landscape also has to bear the brunt of the blame. We simply lack honest leaders in society who are unable to rein in the little Napoleons who manage others by bullying.
 
In the past we have always maintained tough guidance with strong moral and ethical values that begin from the family, led by parents. Teachers then play a complementary role in shaping the young minds which is then polished by tough guidance during the transition to work responsibilities.

This is especially crucial for those who choose careers in essential services or in any regimented organisation that entails tough training during internships. It borders and can lead to the misinterpretation of bullying especially by those who cannot hack it.

However, there have always been direct and indirect checks and balances to ensure that neither any individual at a supervisory level becomes too overzealous nor indications of low aptitude and attitude of a trainee is ignored. This ecosystem-like balance was always supported by experience and knowledge in the relevant leadership.

This delicate balance has considerably deteriorated over the years due to the fact that many who have position and power, lack the merit and the intricate knowhow of combining the required leadership, administration and management. Some have slumped to managing bullying although it is opined that these incidents are still not the norm.
 
Strict and fair discipline must be supplemented with empathy and those in charge must know when to take the foot off the pedal to ease pressure.
 
Of late there have been some disturbing stories of bullying and those responsible for going overboard have to be taken to task. The task force formed by the Ministry of Health to probe into bullying will not find it easy to identify and prove the allegations as there is no clear definition for  bullying.

It is immersed within conduct and deeds that are subject to interpretation. It overlaps into the modes and variables of management and administration in any organisation.
 
This inquiry, if misconstrued, can demoralise the supervisors who have to be strict and firm to get the best out of their respective organisations. It would be wise and prudent to tread with caution to ensure that all relevant parties are fairly treated in the enquiry. – May 18, 2022.
 
* G. Selva reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.