They wore school uniforms. But they came with bold ideas, brave hearts – and a mission. On World Children’s Day, 40 students from across Malaysia stepped into the halls of power for KidsTakeover Parliament – a Ministry of Education and UNICEF-led initiative that puts children at the centre of decision-making.
Their goal? To deliver one clear message to the nation’s leaders:
“We want schools to be safe. We want bullying to stop. And we have a plan.”
Speaking truth to power
Sixteen-year-old Nur Iwani Izzati from Negeri Sembilan led the charge. She presented the Children’s Recommendations for an Anti-Bullying School Policy to Deputy Minister of Education YB Puan Teo Nie Ching.
In the room were some of the country’s most powerful figures – Deputy Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, UNICEF Malaysia Representative Ms. Marianne Clark-Hattingh, Speaker of the House YB Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md. Yusof, and Members of Parliament from across the aisle.
For once, it wasn’t the adults doing the talking. It was young people.
“We deserve to feel safe”
The students’ policy ideas came out of a 3-day #ENDviolence Youth Camp held a month earlier. Organized by the Ministry of Education, Project I.D. and UNICEF, the camp brought together 40 students from 18 schools.
They built their recommendations on a hard truth from the 2018 Children4Change Survey :
- 83% of students in Malaysia say they’ve been bullied.
- Nearly 70% say schools need a clear policy to protect them.
That’s where their recommendations came in. Practical. Powerful. And written by kids, for kids.
What the students are calling for
Here’s what they want to see happen in every school:
- Update the 2010 Guidelines to cover cyberbullying and modern forms of abuse. Train teachers, counsellors, and even peer-counsellors.
- Roll out a Code of Conduct for students and teachers. Respect starts with clear expectations.
- Create safe reporting systems so students and bystanders can speak up without fear.
- Ensure fair investigations that protect everyone’s privacy, including the bully.
- Offer strong support systems for victims, so no one feels ignored or sidelined.
- Replace harsh punishment with a programme that helps bullies understand the harm they’ve caused – and the reasons behind their behaviour.
Their vision? A school culture built on empathy, kindness, and safety.
“Every member of the school community should do good, speak kind words, behave politely, and be treated with care.”
KidsTakeover Parliament: Listen to Children
“The children have presented their recommendations to end bullying in schools. Violence in schools is an age-old issue, re-emerging in new forms in this digital age. Leadership, as displayed by the children, urgent action, and a recommitment to child rights is what we need today,” said Marianne Clark-Hattingh, UNICEF Representative in Malaysia.
KidsTakeover Parliament marked the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) – the world’s most widely ratified human rights treaty. Article 12 of the CRC says every child has the right to speak up, be heard, and help shape the world they live in.
This year’s event was especially meaningful. In 1995, Malaysia ratified the CRC under then-Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad – who was, remarkably, back in office during this 2019 event.
More than a moment
The #KidsTakeover – Kita Peduli initiative was led by the Ministry of Education, Project I.D., and UNICEF, with support from Undi18.
This wasn’t just a one-day event. It was a reminder that young people have ideas, solutions and the right to lead.
KidsTakeover Parliament made that loud and clear.
