In a video message posted on the Ministry of Education’s Facebook page on Sunday, the education minister stressed the importance of protecting children from harmful behaviours and ensuring schools remain safe environments where every child can learn and develop.
Speaking specifically to reports of bullying and injuries involving schoolchildren, Minister Parag stressed that every incident must be investigated and handled with the seriousness it warrants.
She pointed to the government’s anti-bullying and anti-violence campaign, launched in November 2025, which included consultations across all 10 administrative regions and generated thousands of recommendations from stakeholders.
A draft report has been prepared to guide the refinement of policies and standard operating procedures for preventing and responding to bullying and violence.
The ministry has also introduced moral and civic education from nursery through grade nine, promoting values such as kindness, compassion and respect.
The minister urged teachers to remain vigilant during classes, breaks and dismissal, while encouraging parents to communicate openly with their children, reinforce positive values and ensure they feel comfortable reporting incidents.
“No child should feel unsafe going to school. No child should be afraid to go to school, because that child will not be able to learn.”
Minister Parag also welcomed President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s Saturday announcement on restrictions on the importation, sale and use of vaping products, warning of their potential effects on young people’s health and behaviour.
“It’s not just about your health, but it’s also about your behavioural patterns and the negative consequences that vaping can have on you,” the minister said.
The Ministry of Education will continue reviewing school policies and engaging head teachers and Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) to strengthen supervision and accountability. (Department of Public Information)
