Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Education (MOE) has committed to safeguarding teachers by promptly addressing issues related to their wellbeing, particularly in cases of cyberbullying. Minister Fadhlina Sidek emphasized the importance of protecting educators to enable them to perform their duties effectively without disruptions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadhlina stated that immediate action is required by school administrators and the district education office (PPD) when complaints or cases of cyberbullying arise, ensuring that teachers are shielded from such incidents. She highlighted the necessity of lodging reports to relevant authorities for cases that surpass the MOE’s jurisdiction and assured that affected teachers will be provided with psychosocial support to aid in restoring their emotional wellbeing. This announcement came during the launch of the Jamalullail Digital In School Perlis (JLiDS) initiative, with Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail in attendance.

In light of a recent incident where a mother alleged on social media that she was taunted by her child’s school while searching for her supposedly missing Year One pupil, Fadhlina confirmed that the school, PPD, and the state education department (JPN) have swiftly acted to support the teachers involved and seek a resolution. They have also consulted with the police for guidance on appropriate actions. Counselling sessions have been arranged to provide additional psychosocial support for these educators.

Fadhlina stressed the importance of teachers recognizing cyberbullying behaviors, referring to the MOE’s Guidelines on Values and Ethics for Social Media Use issued in 2023, and reminded school administrators, PPD, and JPN to act promptly in similar situations. She also urged parents and the community to respect the teaching profession and to address grievances amicably, suggesting that parents can submit complaints to schools or through the MOE’s Public Complaint Management System.

During the JLiDS launch, Fadhlina highlighted the initiative’s goal to enhance digital education access in alignment with the National Digital Education Policy. The initiative will equip 74 primary schools and a hospital-based school in Perlis with smartboards and the latest technology.