Ministry of Education confirms suspension of learner over bullying

The Ministry of Education has taken swift disciplinary action following the circulation of a distressing video on social media depicting a schoolboy violently flogging a fellow learner. The footage, which quickly went viral across various digital platforms, triggered public outrage and renewed intense discussions surrounding safety, discipline, and the psychological wellbeing of students within Zambian schools. In response to the growing public pressure, education authorities launched an investigation, culminating in the formal suspension of the perpetrator as a stern penalty for unacceptable conduct. Bullying in schools has increasingly become a critical talking point for parents, educators, and civil society organizations across the country. While corporal punishment has undergone strict regulatory changes within Zambia's educational framework, peer-on-peer violence remains a persistent challenge that demands proactive intervention. Educational experts emphasize that suspensions, while necessary for maintaining institutional order, must be accompanied by comprehensive counseling, rehabilitation, and behavioral modification programs to address the root causes of aggression among adolescents. Child rights advocates have pointed out that viral social media videos often expose only the surface of a deeper systemic issue concerning peer pressure, mental health support, and monitoring in boarding and day schools alike. The Ministry of Education has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of violence, intimidation, and harassment within school premises. Officials stressed that school administrators are expected to enforce strict disciplinary codes and maintain safe learning environments that protect every child from physical and emotional harm. As the affected learner receives necessary support, stakeholders are calling for enhanced collaboration between schools, parents, and community leaders to instill positive values in young people. Educational insti