The Role of Senior High Schools in Strengthening the Legal Effectiveness of Child Bullying Prevention in Batam City

Abstract

Purpose: The increasing incidence of bullying in Senior High Schools in Batam City indicates the suboptimal effectiveness of existing prevention measures. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of anti-bullying regulations and the role of schools in implementing bullying prevention policies.

Research Design and Methodology: This study employed an empirical juridical method with sociological and statutory approaches, based on Soerjono Soekanto’s theory of legal effectiveness and Philipus M. Hadjon’s theory of legal protection. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and institutional profiling. Informants included senior high school teachers, officials of the Batam City UPTD for Women and Children Protection, and officers of the Regional Policewomen and Children Protection Unit. The data were analyzed qualitatively, supported by an assessment of five legal effectiveness indicators.

Findings and Discussion: The findings show that only legal substance and community factors were effective. Law enforcement, facilities and infrastructure, and legal culture remained ineffective due to limited case-handling capacity, inadequate confidential reporting mechanisms, and insufficient involvement of professional counselors or psychologists.

Implications: Schools should establish dedicated anti-bullying units, strengthen teacher training, involve professional counselors, and provide secure anonymous digital reporting systems. Effective bullying prevention therefore requires not only adequate regulations but also coordinated institutional implementation and sustained cooperation among schools, families, child protection agencies, and law enforcement authorities.