Two incidents of bullying that have gained a lot of attention in Chinese social media. Chinese education officials have launched a new campaign to deal with the problem. (Photo : Twitter)
China's education officials called on schools to put more effort on dealing with bullying between students.
The Education Supervision and Guidance Committee of the State Council made the pronouncement during the launch of a new campaign to curb rampant bullying, physical, verbal, and those on the Internet, occurring in primary, middle, and vocational schools, China Daily reported.
Under the circular issued on Monday, inspectors are tasked with monitoring incidents of school bullying happening under their respective districts. Cases are then to be reported to school officials, as well as the education inspection department for review.
Meanwhile, schools were also ordered to devise better procedures that will help combat bullying. Faculty members need to have the right training in bullying prevention strategies and should be given specific roles for responding to and solving cases. And if there is enough evidence to support cases, school staff should cooperate closely with security personnel in filing the appropriate charges, the China Christian Daily reported.
The circular also tasked schools with establishing their own psychological consultation programs to help victims deal with the trauma of being bullied. A hotline should also be established for victims to call to when they need help.
Education Minister Yuan Gairen said authorities need to educate students about the damaging moral, psychological and security effects of bullying on campus. He added that school officials need to work closely with families and communities to ensure the safety of students from such attacks.
The number of bullying incidents has increased in the last few years, raising concerns from parents and school authorities. In April, a video showing a female student being slapped 30 times by older students went viral on Chinese social media sites.
In 2015 Chinese media also reported the case of a junior high school student who jumped from the fourth floor of a building after he said he can't tolerate being bullied anymore.
