Bullying does not stop once individuals leave school or complete their education. — Reenactment/The Star
VICTIMS of bullying often carry the emotional scars for years after the incident, with the effects sometimes surfacing in unexpected ways.
Malaysian Psychiatric Association past president Dr Hazli Zakaria says many victims continue to suffer from symptoms triggered by past bullying experiences.
"Most of the disorders related to traumatic events like bullying, such as depression, require a longer period to be diagnosed."
Hazli says bullying thrives in environments where there is an imbalance of power, authority or physical strength. — OthersDr Hazli urges that victims be monitored and supported over time, with comprehensive assessments offered both immediately after the incident and periodically in the years that follow.
He stresses the importance of an open policy where victims can reach out for help at any stage, regardless of how much time has passed since the bullying occurred.
Equally important, Dr Hazli suggests that perpetrators undergo psychiatric evaluations to rule out underlying issues, such as personality disorders, which could contribute to their bullying behaviour.
Unfortunately, he notes that many bullies are only punished, rather than given the necessary support and treatment, which could help prevent further incidents.
"The objective of interventions is to minimise damage, achieve full recovery and to prevent more bullying in the future."
Dr Hazli points out that addressing bullying requires a systemic change, including a shift in culture and addressing the historical legacies of institutions that allow such behaviour to persist.
"If we don't change the system, we shouldn’t act surprised when bullying continues to recur," he warns.
He stresses that bullying is not confined to educational institutions. It can happen in any setting – at home, at the workplace, or even in social environments.
"Bullying occurs when there are opportunities for it to happen and when actions are allowed to continue unchecked. It thrives in environments where there is an imbalance of power, authority, or physical strength."
In many cases, perpetrators are able to escape the consequences of their actions, making it more difficult to eliminate the problem.
Universiti Sains Malaysia criminologist and psychologist Assoc Prof Dr. Geshina Ayu Mat Saat echoes these concerns, emphasising that bullying does not stop once individuals leave school or complete their education.
"Rarely does a person bully once. The norm of bullying is repeated behaviour, either against the same person over time or several people multiple times."
This repeated behaviour, she warns, can extend into adulthood and negatively impact social relationships and work life.
"Excuses like having a belligerent, aggressive, or dominant personality are not acceptable reasons for continued bullying behaviour. If bullying becomes a habit, it will likely continue into work life and affect broader social dynamics."
She proposes a framework of applying proactive and reactive prevention of crimes related to bullying including the primary, secondary and tertiary levels:
> Primary prevention
Focus on the root causes of crime, such as social, environmental, and economic factors. The goal is to create a safer environment that discourages bullying and promotes positive behaviour. Examples include community development programmes like after-school activities and neighbourhood watch groups.
> Secondary prevention
Focus on intervening with people who are at risk or displaying early signs of criminal behaviour. The goal is to prevent potential perpetrators from committing more serious crimes. Examples include early screening, intervention and support programmes for at-risk youth, such as mentoring, counselling and vocational training.
> Tertiary prevention
Focus on rehabilitation, reintegration and preventing reoffending for people who have already committed crimes.
