A report on measures to prevent bullying in educational institutions is sought by the High Court.
On Tuesday, the Punjab School Education Department was asked by the Lahore High Court to submit a report detailing the steps taken to combat student harassment, cyberbullying, and physical bullying at educational institutions throughout the province.
The order was made by Justice Jawad Hassan at the hearing of a public interest petition submitted by attorney Sabah Farooq, who is requesting government action to guarantee a secure learning environment in schools. Barrister Ahmad Pansota, who was representing the petitioner, clarified that Farooq addressed the court in accordance with constitutional rules because she was a mother and a working lawyer.
Concerns about the absence of laws addressing physical bullying, cyberbullying, and harassment in schools and online forums were raised by the petitioner’s daughter, who also signed the petition.
Advocate Farooq clarified her position in the case by stating that the petition sought to highlight how formal education practices have changed since COVID, with many institutions now using online learning environments. Due to this change, youngsters now socialise on social media platforms like WhatsApp in place of conventional playgrounds.
According to Farooq, authorities have a duty to protect pupils in both in-person and virtual interactions as the surge in social media use has led to a rise in cyberbullying.
The respondents received notifications from Justice Hassan, who also directed a provincial law officer to collect responses from pertinent agencies by the next hearing on November 4. The judge also directed the school education department secretary to make sure a senior officer attends the upcoming hearing to discuss the steps the government has done to prevent harassment, cyberbullying, and physical bullying in schools.
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