When Silence Hurts: Dr Wu Shin Ling on Bullying, Fear, and the Call for Change
Dr Wu Shin Ling was recently interviewed by The Star to share her insights on the bystander effect and the persistent bullying culture in Malaysian schools.
In the article, she highlights the often-overlooked reality that many students endure in silence. Bullying is frequently normalised or dismissed as “just the way things are,” yet its psychological impact can be profound damaging a child’s sense of safety, identity, and self-worth. A culture of silence, driven by fear of retaliation and social pressure, prevents many from speaking up or stepping in.
Dr Wu emphasizes the urgent need for change, calling for:
Safe and accessible reporting channels
Early intervention training for teachers and student leaders
A school culture rooted in empathy and collective responsibility from the primary level onwards
She extends her gratitude to The Star for spotlighting this issue, and especially to the survivors who courageously shared their stories. Their voices matter and may they spark the transformation our education system so deeply needs.
