The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Revised School Discipline Guidelines to introduce stronger accountability measures and clearer procedures for bullying and violence cases
Nearly a month after videos of bullying and violent incidents involving students circulated across Bhutan, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) says disciplinary action against students involved will be determined by the respective schools under the School Discipline Guidelines.
The clarification came after this paper asked what actions would be taken against the students involved, given that the criminal aspect of the cases is being handled by the Royal Bhutan Police.
The Ministry said that decisions on what action should be taken against students involved in individual cases are not made by the Ministry.
Instead, that responsibility rests with the respective schools, which are expected to examine the facts and circumstances of each case, including the severity of the misconduct, before deciding on the appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with the Guidelines and the school’s internal rules.
Regarding the recent bullying case, the Ministry said the decision on further action against the students involved rests with the concerned school. The school is expected to determine the appropriate disciplinary and educational measures based on the circumstances of the case while following the School Discipline Guidelines and its internal rules.
This paper also asked whether the suspended students involved in the recent bullying incident would be allowed to return to the same school.
The Ministry said suspension does not determine the outcome of a disciplinary case. It said the concerned school will decide the appropriate disciplinary and educational measures after considering the circumstances of the case and following due process.
“Suspension is one of several disciplinary measures available under the School Discipline Guidelines and does not necessarily determine the outcome of a disciplinary case.”
Based on the Ministry’s response, the final decision regarding the students involved in the recent bullying case has not yet been made.
The Ministry indicated that the suspension of the students was an immediate disciplinary measure and does not represent the outcome of the case.
According to the Ministry, the concerned school must still complete its disciplinary process and assess the facts and circumstances of the incident before deciding on the appropriate course of action. This could include allowing the students to return to school, imposing further disciplinary measures, or providing other educational interventions, depending on the severity of the misconduct and the findings of the review.
The Ministry also highlighted that school disciplinary processes and criminal proceedings serve different purposes and operate independently.
“While criminal investigations determine whether any laws have been violated and what legal consequences may follow, schools are responsible for determining whether a student’s conduct has breached school rules and standards of behavior, and for taking appropriate disciplinary measures to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and orderly functioning of the school environment,” the Ministry said.
MoESD Reviewing the School Discipline Policy
Meanwhile, the Ministry is reviewing the School Discipline Guidelines to ensure they remain relevant to the changing needs of the education system and the challenges faced by schools today.
The review comes amid growing concerns over bullying, violence, student behavior, and whether existing disciplinary procedures are sufficient to address serious misconduct.
The Ministry said, “The revised Guidelines will build on and strengthen values education, character development, and the promotion of respect, empathy, responsibility, self-discipline, and responsible citizenship as integral components of school life.”
The revised Guidelines will introduce clearer procedures for handling serious incidents and strengthen accountability measures to ensure schools respond appropriately to cases of bullying, violence, and other forms of misconduct.
The Ministry said it will adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards bullying and violence in schools, with students expected to understand that such behavior will result in serious consequences.
Furthermore, the MoESD says that depending on the nature and severity of the misconduct, disciplinary measures will be significantly strengthened, “including expulsion from the school for the most serious cases of misconduct, in accordance with due process.”
The Ministry also said accountability would not only apply to students involved in bullying or violence, but also to schools and school leaders if they fail to respond appropriately.
“The revised Guidelines will also strengthen the accountability of school leaders and administrators,” the Ministry said.
Under the revised approach, school leaders and administrators will be expected to respond promptly and consistently to bullying and violence cases. Failure to take appropriate action in accordance with the Guidelines may result in administrative accountability.
The Ministry also highlighted that preventing bullying and violence requires collective effort beyond schools. While schools have a role in promoting positive behavior and supporting students, the Ministry said parents and guardians are children’s first educators and have an important role in developing values such as respect, empathy, responsibility, and peaceful conflict resolution at home.
The MoESD added that the wider community must also work together with schools by promoting positive social values and reporting concerns to help safeguard children’s wellbeing.
