Pergub on Bullying Urged to Include Parental Responsibility

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Secretary of Commission E of the Jakarta Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), Justin Adrian Untayana, has requested that parental accountability for perpetrators of bullying or harassment be included in the discourse on issuing a Governor’s Regulation (Pergub) regarding the handling of bullying.

“We have blamed schools for too long when bullying or harassment occurs, but rarely have we demanded that parents educate their children while they are at home,” Justin said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He assessed that if the regulation involves parents, it would encourage them to teach moral education and character building in their respective homes.

According to Justin, it is futile if teachers at school strive hard to provide moral education, but at home, parents do not teach their children to respect others.

He also views that character education at home by parents is no less important, especially considering that children spend most of their time at home.

“These children only spend a portion of their time at school. The rest, they return to their respective homes and meet their parents. Therefore, this education matter is not solely the responsibility of the school, but also of the parents,” Justin stated.

Thus, it is hoped that parents will become more cautious and proactive in educating their children.

“We need parents and children to equally realise the importance of respecting others as fellow human beings. That understanding must be built starting from each home,” Justin explained.

Previously, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung was studying the plan to issue a Pergub on handling bullying in response to the increasing public concern over bullying cases in the capital.

That step was taken after he received community aspirations during a working visit to RSKD Duren Sawit.

Pramono immediately instructed his staff to study the urgency and effectiveness of the regulation.