Bullying is not a new problem happened in schools in Hong Kong. In the past three years, the situation worsened. According to statistics submitted by the Education Bureau to the Legislative Council, 346 bullying cases were received by the Education Bureau in the school year 2019-20, a 53 per cent increase compared with 226 cases in 2018-19. More cyber bullying cases happened in the last three years. Although most of the cases were not serious, the increasing number of bullying cases has alerted the society.
Bullying involves unwanted, impolite and aggressive behaviors and bullying can be classified into four forms, namely physical bullying, verbal bullying, indirect bullying and cyber bullying. Classmates may think how about teasing a classmate by making nasty call on him or her? How about creating ‘funny’ nicknames? Are they classified as bullying? Yes. Even you only want to make fun with him or her, they are also classified as bullying. How about spreading rumours? Yes, it is also classified as bullying. On the other hand, it’s not difficult to notice junior form classmates play in the classroom during the recess and lunchtime. Some classmates play rudely like shooting rubber band on classmates, inappropriate physical touch etc. In fact, these behaviours can be classified as physical bullying if your classmates feel uncomfortable.
Due to pandemic, students spent less time in school and they had less opportunities to learn how to get along with their classmates especially junior form students. The theme of this month is ‘Love is not rude’. Shungtakians, as we are back to normal, it is the time to learn how to get along with your classmates with politeness and respect.
Monday, 5 May 2025