Minister of Primary and Secondary Education warns that using nicknames can constitute bullying

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, has reminded that addressing individuals with physical nicknames can be categorised as a form of bullying, prompting schools to continuously strive for a more humanistic, inclusive, and participatory learning culture. He noted that several physical jokes are often considered commonplace in school environments, even though such jokes have the potential to hurt students’ feelings.

On this occasion, he emphasised that schools must be a safe and comfortable place for all students. In schools, Mu’ti stated, there should be no discrimination that looks down upon students, whether regarding their physical appearance or their academic achievements.

He said that every member of the school community must have full awareness that every student possesses different talents, abilities, and potential. Therefore, his office is encouraging every school to build a more humanistic, inclusive, and participatory culture.

This culture, he continued, aligns with the fundamental principles of the deep learning approach, which is a learning process that honours knowledge and every member of the school community, including students, teachers, and educational staff. Through this approach, he hopes that students can learn in a joyful atmosphere without having to demean their peers.

“We want all children to learn joyfully. Schools should be a place where everyone celebrates diversity. This is the fundamental reason why we emphasise more humanistic, inclusive, and participatory aspects,” said Mu’ti.