Schools must strengthen early warning systems against violence: Lee

Lee Lam Thye, chairman of the foundation bearing his name, has called on schools to take proactive steps in combating violence among students, emphasising the need for institutional safeguards before incidents escalate.

According to Lee, educational institutions must prioritise the development and reinforcement of early warning systems capable of identifying at-risk students and potentially violent situations before they materialise into serious incidents.

The foundation chairman stressed that schools play a critical role in shaping student behaviour and preventing violence from becoming normalised within the school environment. Without adequate intervention frameworks, he warned, such conduct risks becoming embedded in institutional culture.

Lee's remarks highlight growing concerns about student violence in Malaysian schools and underscore the importance of preventive approaches over reactive measures. The call for strengthened early detection systems suggests a need for comprehensive strategies encompassing teacher training, counselling services, and clear reporting protocols.

The foundation's position reflects broader efforts across the region to address school safety through institutional reform and early intervention programmes, rather than punitive measures alone.