How common is school bullying in Malaysia?

Very common. The Ministry of Education recorded 2,889 bullying cases in Malaysian schools in 2025, including 740 in primary schools and 2,149 in secondary schools. A 2025 Ipsos survey found 67% of Malaysians experienced bullying in the past year — with schools being the most common venue, accounting for 65% of incidents. These figures likely undercount the true scale, as many children do not report bullying to adults. UNICEF Malaysia has identified Malaysian students as among the most bullied globally.

What should I do if my child says they are being bullied at school?

Start by listening fully without interrupting or immediately advising — your child needs to feel believed before action. Ask open questions: 'Who is involved? Where does it happen? How long has this been going on?' Document everything in writing. Then report formally to the school in writing — specifically to the Guru Disiplin (Discipline Teacher) and/or Penolong Kanan Hal Ehwal Murid (PK HEM). Keep a copy of every communication. If the school does not act within 2 weeks, escalate to the District Education Office (Pejabat Pelajaran Daerah) or contact the Ministry of Education via the EPSA portal. For physical assault or criminal threats, report directly to the police — you do not need the school's permission.

What are the long-term effects of bullying on children?

Bullying has well-documented long-term consequences that extend into adulthood. Victims have significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation — research shows bullying victims face a 2–9× higher risk of suicidal thinking compared to non-victims. Long-term studies find bullying victimisation increases the risk of poor mental health, reduced academic achievement, difficulty forming trusting relationships, and lower adult employment outcomes. Critically, bullying affects both victims and perpetrators: children who bully others are at higher risk of antisocial behaviour, substance misuse, and criminal involvement in adulthood. Early intervention matters — bullying is not something children 'grow out of' on their own.

When should I call the police about school bullying?

Contact the police (999 or nearest station) if: your child has suffered a physical assault causing injury; your child has been threatened with physical harm; your child is being extorted or having belongings stolen; the bullying involves sexual harassment; or the bullying involves criminal threats online (cyberstalking, defamation, or non-consensual image sharing). You do not need the school's permission or to involve the school first. File a police report under Section 323 (causing hurt), Section 506 (criminal intimidation), or Section 384 (extortion) of the Penal Code as appropriate. Having a police report number strengthens any escalation to the school or Ministry.

School bullying in Malaysia — parent action guide

Warning Physical & online Malaysia focus

School bullying

Malaysia's schools recorded 2,889 bullying cases in 2025 — and that is only what was reported. A 2025 Ipsos survey found two-thirds of Malaysians experienced bullying in the past year, with schools the most common venue. Untreated bullying causes lasting mental health harm to both victims and perpetrators, and — as the July 2026 Banting stabbing showed — can escalate into serious violence.

Updated July 2026

Most affected: ages 10–16

Primary & secondary schools

5.3

SEVERITY

out of 10

The scale of school bullying in Malaysia — what the data says

School bullying in Malaysia is significantly more prevalent than official figures suggest. The Ministry of Education (KPM) recorded 2,889 bullying cases in 2025 — 740 in primary schools and 2,149 in secondary schools — up from previous years as reporting mechanisms improve. But these are only reported cases. A 2025 Ipsos Malaysia survey found 67% of Malaysians experienced bullying in the past year, with schools identified as the most common venue at 65% of all incidents. UNICEF Malaysia has identified Malaysian students as among the most bullied globally.

Bullying takes multiple forms in Malaysian schools: physical (hitting, pushing, property damage and theft), verbal (name-calling, threats, public humiliation), social or relational (exclusion, rumour-spreading, reputation damage), and cyberbullying (which now extends school bullying into the home via phones and social media). Research consistently shows that social and relational bullying — particularly among girls — is the most underreported and the most damaging to long-term mental health.

The consequences of untreated bullying are severe. Victims have a 2–9× higher risk of suicidal ideation compared to non-victims. Long-term studies find bullying victimisation is associated with depression, anxiety, difficulty forming trusting relationships, and reduced adult employment outcomes — effects that persist decades later. Critically, bullying also harms perpetrators: children who bully others are at significantly higher risk of antisocial behaviour and criminal involvement in adulthood.

The July 2026 attack at SMK Bandar Banting — in which a 15-year-old student was stabbed 16 times by a former classmate, with bullying cited as the suspected motive — illustrates the most extreme consequence of unresolved bullying trauma. The Ministry of Education has since deployed psychosocial support teams and committed RM5 million for CCTV installation in 333 residential schools, plus 600 new hostel wardens in 2026. These are system measures — but individual parental action remains the most reliable early intervention.

Types of bullying to know

👊

Physical bullying

Hitting, kicking, pushing, spitting, damaging belongings, or stealing money. Most visible, most likely to be reported — but still frequently minimised as "boys being boys."

📢

Verbal bullying

Name-calling, mocking, threats, public humiliation, or offensive comments about appearance, ethnicity, or religion. Often dismissed as "just words" — but causes lasting psychological harm.

🚪

Social / relational

Deliberate exclusion, spreading rumours, manipulating friendships, or damaging someone's social reputation. Most common among girls. Hardest to prove — but deeply damaging.

📱

Cyberbullying

Online harassment, group chats excluding or mocking a classmate, sharing embarrassing photos, or coordinated "block/report" campaigns. Follows the child home — no safe space. See our Cyberbullying page →

Who is most at risk?

Children perceived as "different"

Appearance, disability, religion, weight, or academic level — anything that makes a child stand out

New or transferring students

No established social network; easier to target without witnesses who know them

Children with anxiety or low confidence

Less likely to fight back or report; bullies select targets who appear less likely to retaliate

Children with home difficulties

Domestic stress, parental conflict, or poverty; less parental support available to respond quickly

Warning signs your child is being bullied

Reluctance or outright refusal to go to school — making excuses (headaches, stomachaches) on school mornings that clear up once they are allowed to stay home

Coming home with unexplained injuries, torn or damaged clothing, or broken or missing belongings

Suddenly losing friends or being excluded from social activities they previously enjoyed

Asking for extra pocket money or stealing from home — may indicate lunch money is being taken

Significant changes in mood after school: withdrawn, anxious, irritable, sad, or crying without explanation

Declining school performance, difficulty concentrating, or loss of interest in schoolwork

Disturbed sleep, nightmares, or night-time distress — especially Sunday nights before the school week

Avoiding social media, deleting apps, or becoming visibly distressed when their phone receives a message

Talking about feeling worthless, having no friends, or expressing hopelessness about school — take these statements seriously

Many children do not tell parents they are being bullied because they fear retaliation, are ashamed, or believe adults cannot help. If your child drops hints but then pulls back — follow up gently. Saying "You seemed upset yesterday — I am here if you ever want to talk" keeps the door open without pressure.

What to do — step by step

Listen first — believe your child, and do not minimise

When your child discloses bullying, your first response shapes whether they ever tell you anything again. Avoid: "Just ignore them," "You need tougher skin," or "Did you do something to provoke it?" These responses — however well-intentioned — shut the conversation down. Instead: "I believe you. I am glad you told me. Tell me everything." Ask: who is involved, where it happens, how long it has been going on, whether anyone else witnessed it. Then listen without interrupting.

Document everything — immediately and in writing

Begin a written record the same day. For each incident: date, time, location, what happened, who was involved (bullies and any witnesses), and any physical evidence (photos of injuries, screenshots of messages). Keep copies of all photos and screenshots. This record is essential for school reports, escalation to the district education office, and police reports if needed. Without documentation, it is your child's word against another child's — documentation shifts the dynamic.

Report to the school — formally and in writing

Do not rely on verbal conversations that leave no trace. Send a written report (email or signed letter) to the Guru Disiplin (Discipline Teacher) and cc the Penolong Kanan Hal Ehwal Murid (PK HEM — Head of Student Affairs). State the dates, what occurred, and what outcome you are requesting. Request a written response within 5 working days. Keep copies of everything sent and received. A written report creates accountability that a phone call does not.

Know the escalation path — and use it if needed

If the school does not respond meaningfully within 2 weeks, escalate. Do not be deterred by politeness or reassurances that the matter is "being handled." See the escalation ladder below for the full path from school to district to ministry to police.

Support your child's mental health during and after

While the external situation is being resolved, your child needs emotional support at home. Tell them clearly: "This is not your fault." "You did the right thing by telling me." "We are going to fix this together." Avoid talking about the situation constantly — give them space where they feel safe and not defined by the bullying. If they are showing signs of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, contact a school counsellor or GP immediately and do not wait for the bullying situation to resolve first.

Talk to other parents and the class teacher

Bullying rarely affects only one child. Other parents may be unaware their child is involved — as a perpetrator or a witness. A calm, factual conversation (not accusatory) with the parents of involved children can sometimes resolve situations the school handles slowly. The class teacher often has insight the discipline system misses. Do not approach the bullying child directly — route everything through adults.

Contact the police when the law is broken

Some bullying is a criminal matter, not just a disciplinary one. File a police report at your nearest police station if: your child has been physically assaulted and injured; is being threatened with harm; is being extorted (money, property); is subject to sexual harassment; or is being harassed online in a way that constitutes criminal defamation or stalking. You do not need the school's permission. Ask the officer to record under Section 323 (hurt), Section 506 (criminal intimidation), or Section 384 (extortion). A police report number strengthens your escalation to the Ministry.

Escalation path — Malaysia

Use each step if the previous step does not produce a meaningful response within 2 weeks.

Guru Disiplin & PK HEM at your child's school

First formal step. Submit written report with documentation. Request written response within 5 working days.

Written letter / email + copies kept

Headmaster / Pengetua

If discipline staff are unresponsive, escalate to the Headmaster. Bring your written documentation and record of previous communications.

Letter with documented timeline

Pejabat Pelajaran Daerah (District Education Office)

If the school is non-responsive, escalate to the District Education Office. Submit your full documented file. They have authority to direct the school to act.

Full documentation file required

Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia — EPSA Portal

Formal complaint to the Ministry of Education via the EPSA portal (eaduan.moe.gov.my) or toll-free line 1-800-88-6463. Ministry can direct district offices to conduct formal investigations.

eaduan.moe.gov.my · 1-800-88-6463

Police report — when the law is broken

For physical assault, criminal threats, extortion, or sexual harassment: file a police report in parallel with school escalation — do not wait for the school process to conclude first.

999 or nearest Balai Polis · Section 323 / 506 / 384 PC

Recommended tools & resources

KPM EPSA Complaint Portal

Official Ministry of Education complaint system — submit formal complaints about unresolved school bullying with supporting documentation

FreeSubmit →

Talian Kasih — 15999

Free 24/7 Malaysia welfare helpline for parents and children — support, guidance, and referrals for bullying and child welfare concerns

Free · 24/7Call →

UNICEF Malaysia — Bullying Resources

Evidence-based guidance on bullying prevention, how to talk to children, and what schools should be doing — available in English and Bahasa Malaysia

FreeRead →

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