Ruling party proposes tougher penalties for school bullies

The ruling Grand National Party on Thursday proposed bills for the revision of education-related laws, urging tougher punishment for school bullies and disciplinary action against teachers who cover up or downplay school violence.

The party also wants to convert the law on the prevention of school violence into a “special law” considering the seriousness of school violence.

Under the bills, a perpetrator of school violence will have their offenses put on his or her scholastic record and maintain it in the event of transfer to other schools. In addition, the length of suspension will be expanded from 10 to 30 days for a violator, who will also have to receive additional education or psychological therapies. The parents of bullies will also have to attend the additional education together with their children. Those who refuse to do so will face a fine of up to 3 million won (2,671 U.S. dollars).

Under the proposed law, the School Safety and Insurance System or municipal or provincial education offices will first cover the expenses for victims’ treatments and recuperation before claiming damages from the bullies’ parents. Elementary and secondary schools across the country will also hire counselors.

In particular, the bills include a clause that require teachers to remove perpetrators from classrooms to ensure the right to study of other students and the teacher`s right to teach.

sungho@donga.com