The Straits Times
Republished with Permission
6 September 2025

Bullying is too complex to be solved with punishment or labels. A child may be victim, perpetrator and bystander all at once.

What makes the difference is not stricter rules alone but the adults they learn from daily. Parents who combine warmth with accountability, and autonomy with guidance, create conditions for empathy and respect to take root. When families model care and compassion, they give children the tools to stand against bullying – and to grow into kinder adults.

For the original article, please visit Bullying in schools: Where are the adult role models?.