Ipoh:The Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) is deploying the 'Counsellor on Wheels' (COW) team to assist educational institutions in tackling the growing issue of bullying. This initiative focuses on prevention, counselling, and early intervention strategies.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, UPSI's vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff, highlighted the university's expertise in counselling, psychology, education, and character development, which will be harnessed to address bullying. The COW team will travel to Kuantan and Batu Pahat to support local institutions with recent bullying cases.

Dr. Md Amin emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to bullying that goes beyond reactive measures. The deployment of the COW team is a significant step in strengthening the university's societal contributions, particularly in maintaining a safe environment in schools and institutions around Ipoh.

The COW team will also conduct awareness and anti-bullying education programs for students, teachers, counsellors, and management staff at local institutions. These initiatives include counselling and rehabilitation specifically for bullying victims to help manage emotional impacts and rebuild self-confidence.

Dr. Md Amin further stated that bullying must be addressed as an issue encompassing emotional, psychological, and social dimensions, as well as student character development. He stressed the importance of fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and responsibility, starting in schools and involving the Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG).

Meanwhile, Dr. Pau Kee, director of UPSI's Counselling Centre, reported that the COW programme has covered 38 locations, involving partnerships with various agencies, communities, and schools. To date, 10,350 individuals have benefitted from the service, which is recognized by the Malaysian Book of Records as the first mobile mental health counselling programme in the country.

The services offered by the COW programme include individual counselling sessions, group support, mental wellness screenings, psychological assessments, and psychoeducational programmes aimed at bullying prevention and anti-sexual harassment.