School bullies in Singapore will face caning under new guidelines, a move that has drawn criticism from human rights groups. The use of corporal punishment, which remains part of both the school system and criminal justice, is regularly condemned by international observers, but authorities maintain it serves as a deterrent to crime and serious misconduct.
Parliamentary Debate on Caning
Caning was discussed in parliament on Tuesday after legislators inquired about its application to bullying in schools. The debate followed the education ministry's unveiling of stricter guidelines against serious student misconduct, including bullying, last month. Under these guidelines, offenders could receive between one and three strokes of the cane.
Education Minister's Statement
Education Minister Desmond Lee stated on Tuesday: 'Our schools use caning as a disciplinary measure if all the other measures are inadequate, given the gravity of the misconduct.' He emphasized that strict protocols are followed to ensure student safety, including approval by the principal and administration only by authorized teachers. 'Schools will consider factors such as the maturity of the student and if caning will help the student learn from his mistake and understand the gravity of what he has done,' Lee added.
Gender and Historical Context
The punishment is applied only to boys, as per the Criminal Procedure Code, which prohibits caning for women. Caning in Singapore is a legacy of British colonial rule, though Britain itself abolished corporal punishment long ago. After caning, schools monitor the student's wellbeing and provide counselling, according to Lee.
Criticism from Health Experts
A World Health Organisation report last year stated that 'there is now overwhelming scientific evidence that corporal punishment of children carries multiple risks of harm and has no benefits.' This contrasts with the Singaporean government's position that caning is a necessary deterrent for serious misconduct.
