School bullying can be reduced by fostering more compassionate and supportive environments at home and in society, Education Minister Ismail Shafeeu has said.

In a Facebook post following a discussion with a member of the public, Minister Shafeeu said children often mirror the behavior they observe around them, including negative language and conduct.

“Such insults are repeated in the school environment, mimicking the negative habits a child learns from a society that uses derogatory and demeaning language,” he wrote.

He argued that creating “happy, comfortable and loving” homes and communities is essential to preventing bullying, alongside discouraging the spread of false information.

The minister warned that a lack of compassion in society could have long-term consequences for younger generations.

“If we do not set a good example for children, tomorrow’s generation will be mentally weak and deprived of compassion,” he said.

Minister Shafeeu also raised concerns about the normalization of defamation on social media and in public discourse, describing it as a form of entertainment that risks harming individuals and shaping harmful behavior.

“Not every rumor is true. A society that does not recognize the harm it causes to others will produce a mentally weak generation,” he added.

He acknowledged the role of teachers in addressing such challenges, noting that educators work not only to deliver lessons but also to counter negative influences from home and society.

Minister Shafeeu said efforts to strengthen school programmes were under way, citing the “Bingaa” initiative launched this year as one such measure.