The Police Service says a collaborative approach is required to successfully combat bullying in schools, which sees parents, students, teachers, and NGOs join forces with the police.
TTPS Media Ambassador ASP Rajesh Lal says every effort should be made to ensure that children are safe at school.
A 15-year-old student of St Stephen's College died by suicide on October 3, 2024, after his parents say he was bullied for many years at school.
ASP Lal believes the home environments of students who bully should come under some scrutiny, as children who bully don’t only come from lower socio-economic environments.
According to the TTPS Media Ambassador, two key questions that should guide any interventions are: ‘What is the level of toxicity in the bully’s home?’ and, ‘What are the problems affecting that child who has become a bully?’
“Because the bully also may have some issues,” he points out. “Or [they] may not have any issues and may believe they could do anything and get away with it.”
“Maybe they are spoilt, or [maybe] they want to take out their rage on other persons who may be vulnerable,” he said. “We don’t know, and that is why we are asking that other stakeholders join with us, so that we all could get together and come to a solution to end bullying in schools.”
The TTPS spokesman also cautioned parents against taking matters into their own hands if their children are victims of bullying. He warned that the police will be required to do their job, regardless.
“While you are in custody—because we are not sure whether you will be granted bail or given a custodial sentence,” ASP Lal noted, “what happens to your family then? Would they now be susceptible? Will they now be vulnerable, now that you are no longer there?”
The TTPS Media Ambassador was a guest on today’s edition of CNC3’s The Morning Brew show.
