The recent incident at Iarowari Agro Technical Secondary School which resulted in the death of a grade 9 student due to suspected cult and bullying activities is deeply saddening and unacceptable. The urgent need to address cult and bullying activities in schools has been underscored by the tragic death of a grade 9 student at Iarowari Agro Technical Secondary School. In response to this news, Secretary for Education Dr. Uke Kombra said in a recent statement. He expressed the shock and disappointment of the grade 9 passing away allegedly because of cult activities and bullying by senior students. Also adding that students continue to ignore school rules and not focus on their studies. According to the school principal's report Mr. Poni Kila, the deceased Grade 9 student was assaulted by a group of Grade 11 boys at around 10 pm on Thursday, November 7, near the boys’ shower block. Meanwhile, Dr. Kombra has urged students at the school to cooperate with the police by providing information about the incident. Dr. Kombra emphasized that the Department is working closely with school authorities and stakeholders to investigate the matter and take appropriate action. He added that the Department of Education's commitment to supporting schools in managing student behavior and ensuring a safe learning environment. However, he stressed that students must also take responsibility by respecting school rules and the rights of other students and teachers. He further stated that the Behaviour Management Policy for the National Education System (NES) outlines specific rules and guidelines for schools to address. The key points of the policy include: Zero Tolerance: Schools are expected to have a zero-tolerance policy towards anti-social behaviour. Reporting Mechanisms: Clear procedures should be in place for students to report incidents of anti-social behaviours. Investigation and Response: Schools must investigate all reported incidents promptly and take appropriate action. Disciplinary Measures: Disciplinary actions, including suspension or expulsion, may be taken against students found to be misbehaving and. Support for Victims: Schools should provide support services to victims of bullying and other bad experiences. Prevention Programs: Schools should implement programs to educate students about poor and anti-social behaviours and promote a positive school culture. Dr. Kombra urged schools to develop their own Behaviour Management Policies aligned with national guidelines to address their specific needs. He emphasized the importance of proactive leadership and vigilance in preventing misbehavior, particularly in eliminating harmful activities like cults and bullying to maintain a positive learning environment. Furthermore, he called on students, parents, and teachers to be aware of their school's specific policies and procedures for addressing poor and anti-social behaviours and openly speak about them and caution students if they see or suspect any anti-social behaviour being displayed.