Police Chief voices concern over recent school bullying cases

Regarding recent suspected school bullying incidents, Commissioner of Police Joe Chow says he is deeply concerned and will instruct the Police Community Relations Office to strengthen communications with schools.

A school principal suggests increasing teacher patrols between classes, while emphasising education remains the long-term solution.

Suspected incidents involving students being assaulted by multiple classmates recently occured at S.K.H Chai Wan St. Michael's Primary School in Chai Wan and Lingnan Secondary School in Heng Fa Chuen.

Commissioner of Police Joe Chow expressed concern regarding the incidents, noting the number of youth arrests surged 20% in the first half of the year, mostly involving wounding and serious assault driven largely by impulsiveness.

Chow said young people often do not fully understand the seriousness of a situation and think they are simply playing around.

He stressed bystanders who ignore, cheer on, or join a fight due to peer pressure all contribute to the escalation of these situations, adding it is crucial to instil proper values in young people.

Chairperson of Hong Kong Aided Primary School Heads Association Polly Chan noted preventing bullying may require stepping up teacher patrol between lessons.

She said leaders inside the classroom, such as monitors and prefects can help monitor the situation.

Social worker Fung Chi-ho reminded students not to suffer in silence if they witness or experience bullying, urging them to speak immediately with a social worker or teacher.

He noted young people may feel embarrassed to seek help or fear it may make them seem weak.

He said there's a need to build a culture where students understand they can turn to teachers or social workers for help.

Fung went on to say bullying cannot be solved overnight, adding social workers will provide long-term follow-up and will seek police assistance if a student continues to commit assaults.