A JOINT proposal made by three political advisers, Jin Wei, Zhou Ping and Tao Yinyan, takes aim at the controversial topic of school bullying.

According to the proposal, most bullying cases happen in primary and middle schools. Such abuse has a very negative influence on young victims’ well-being and studies, and some even develop personality disorders.

Based on a national survey, nearly half of junior high school students have encountered verbal bullying. More than one-thirds have suffered relational bullying, while some 20 percent said they had been bullied physically.

The proposal states that experiences from Japan and other countries can be used as references for Shanghai. In 2013, Japan passed a bullying prevention law, which requires schools to take specific actions against bullying when it’s discovered. Japan also opened a 24-hour hotline to help those being bullied.

The UK and the US have also cracked down on bullying recently, with 12 states in the latter now listing bullying as a crime.

The three political advisers suggest that education authorities establish an anti-school-bullying education system with schools, families and students.

Schools should respond quickly to bullying and give victims an opportunity to report abuse and seek protection. Reporting and preventions systems should also be set up, the proposal said.