Public Perceptions of the Causes of Rising Bullying Cases and Solutions in Malaysian Schools: A Qualitative Study

Bullying in Malaysian schools has become a pressing concern, with increasing cases reported in recent years. This study aimed to examine public perceptions of the reasons for the rise in bullying and the measures schools and the government should take to address the issue. Using a qualitative design, data were collected from 50 participants through open-ended responses and analysed thematically. Findings revealed three main factors that the public associated with the increase in bullying which are; 1) Media exposure and online games, 2) Gentle parenting and lack of discipline and 3) Peer Influence and Social Pressure. Participants believed that these elements combined to weaken children’s self-control and social responsibility. For the second research question, participants proposed four strategies which are implementing stricter school rules, enforcing stronger juvenile laws, offering parenting classes, and reshaping the education syllabus to emphasize manners, empathy, and moral values instead of focusing solely on exam performance. The discussion highlighted the public’s concern that current strategies are inadequate, pointing to gaps in discipline, legal enforcement, and moral-based education. The implications of these findings stress the need for a holistic approach that involves schools, families, and government agencies in shaping a safer school environment. By addressing both behavioural causes and systemic shortcomings, Malaysia can work toward more effective anti-bullying measures.