LETTER | So it seems to be happening again (pending police investigation, of course). Yet more bullying cases, at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) again, no less.

When we see such harm inflicted upon others, we naturally call for accountability, demanding swift investigations, disciplinary actions, and proper consequences.

It’s natural. A professor even called for the institution to be suspended.

But if we’re genuinely committed to preventing these tragedies from repeating, our response must go beyond punishing individuals. To stop bullying from recurring, we must dig deeper and examine the root causes that allow it to flourish in the first place.

Not easy, admittedly; but essential.

The first step is to closely examine the environment students are in.

For many of us who spent time in dormitories during university or boarding school, bullying wasn’t necessarily a part of our experience. I believe the difference came down to the environment itself.

When students feel valued, supported, and given room to grow, there’s simply less space for aggression, frustration, or power struggles. In these environments, each individual has a chance to shine, and competition doesn’t turn into cruelty.

A positive environment does not only discourage bullying behaviour, it naturally prevents it by giving each student a sense of purpose and respect that overcomes the need to undermine others.

Of course, creating this type of environment at our institutions won’t happen overnight. It requires a commitment to making students feel that they are a valued part of a community, thus allowing them to channel their energy into constructive pursuits and achievements.

We must go beyond academic excellence and invest in creating inclusive, supportive environments where empathy, respect, and collaboration become a lifestyle, not just lip service. These values are what help build emotionally resilient students who see one another as peers, not as threats or opponents.

Secondly, and equally important to creating the right environment, is the ability to understand the unique challenges young people face during these transformative, coming-of-age, years.

Youth is often marked by major physical, emotional, and psychological changes, often mixed with an intense need for validation, acceptance, and recognition.

I personally believe that sometimes, bullying doesn’t arise from ill intent but from a misguided attempt to fit in, assert identity, or climb social ranks. While adults might overlook this as typical teenage angst, these deep-rooted needs can lead young people to act in destructive ways.

Guiding young people through these pressures should be a shared responsibility. Parents, teachers, administrators, and the community need to collaborate to develop a supportive framework that helps young individuals build self-awareness and emotional resilience, especially so in a uniquely multicultural society like ours.

Speaking from 17 years of experience dealing with university students at residential colleges (that’s what we call student hostels in Universiti Malaya), understanding the anxieties of youth and offering guidance doesn’t require specialised training. It simply calls for a commitment to active listening, patience, and empathy.

Wardens and dormitory supervisors (in whatever names and flavours including fellows, penyelia, pengetua, penggawa) can be trained to spot early signs of distress or aggression, and even minor tensions, that, if unchecked, could snowball into more serious incidents.

Recognising these signals early allows for timely intervention and support, preventing what might appear as minor conflicts from growing into harmful situations.

We need to create a culture that values empathy and inclusion by encouraging positive social bonds to build a long-lasting solution.

A “witch hunt” for every individual involved in bullying cases won’t necessarily solve the issue on its own. Real, sustainable change lies in creating a community where every student understands the importance of respect and emotional intelligence.

By nurturing empathy and self-awareness, institutions can help young people form bonds based on mutual respect rather than hierarchy and dominance.

This kind of culture doesn’t erase the natural rivalries of youth, but it helps to ensure that these rivalries remain healthy and non-destructive.

The path forward isn’t an easy one, but it’s a path that we must take together. Ending bullying isn’t about labelling “bad” students and seeking retribution; it’s about building a safer, more compassionate educational experience.

Schools, parents, and communities must work hand-in-hand to create environments that celebrate each student’s strengths, help them channel their energy positively and constructively, and support them in moments of confusion or frustration.

I have personally seen countless times that when students feel seen, supported, and heard, they’re far less likely to turn to harmful behaviours.

In “The Kite Runner”, Khaled Hosseini explores themes of redemption and the courage required to do what is right, even when it’s difficult.

Perhaps our lesson here is similar: preventing bullying will take effort, courage, and a willingness to change our approach. But the result - a generation that values respect over dominance - is totally worth it.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.