Singapore has introduced new school disciplinary guidelines allowing male students found guilty of bullying to face caning. The updated rules, announced by the Ministry of Education and debated in parliament this week, permit schools to cane boys between one and three times for bullying, including cyberbullying.
Education Minister Desmond Lee stated that caning would be used as a “last resort” and only if other measures are inadequate given the gravity of the misconduct. He emphasised that strict protocols must be followed, including approval by the principal and administration only by authorised teachers. Factors such as the student’s maturity and whether caning will help them learn from their mistake will be considered.
The tougher approach follows a year-long review into student behaviour after several widely publicised bullying incidents in Singaporean schools sparked national debate. Mr Lee said the measure applies only to boys in upper primary school (aged nine to 12) and older, noting that Singapore’s criminal procedure laws prohibit caning for women.
Schools will continue to monitor the welfare and progress of punished students, offering counselling and other support services. Female students found guilty of bullying will face punishments such as detention, suspension, or adjustment of their conduct grade.
Rights organisations have condemned the continued use of corporal punishment in Singapore. Amnesty International described it as “cruel and degrading treatment” that should never be used against children, citing evidence that it is not an effective deterrent. A World Health Organisation report last year stated there is overwhelming scientific evidence that corporal punishment carries multiple risks of harm and has no benefits.
