Singapore has introduced updated disciplinary guidelines in schools, allowing male students found guilty of bullying to face caning as a punishment. The new rules, announced by the Ministry of Education and debated in parliament this week, permit schools to administer between one and three strokes of the cane to boys who engage in bullying, including cyberbullying.
Education Minister Defends Measure
Education Minister Desmond Lee stated that caning would be applied as a "last resort" and only when other measures have proven inadequate given the severity of the misconduct. He emphasised that strict protocols are in place to ensure student safety, including that caning must be approved by the principal and administered only by authorised teachers. Schools will consider the student's maturity and whether the punishment will help them learn from their mistake and understand the gravity of their actions.
Scope of the Policy
The measure applies only to boys in upper primary school (ages 9 to 12) and older. Mr Lee noted that Singapore's criminal procedure laws prohibit caning for women. Female students found guilty of bullying will face alternative punishments such as detention, suspension, adjustment of their conduct grade, and other school-based consequences.
Background and Criticism
The tougher approach follows a year-long review into student behaviour after several widely publicised bullying incidents in Singaporean schools sparked national debate. Rights organisations have long condemned Singapore's use of corporal punishment in schools and the broader criminal justice system. Amnesty International described caning as "a cruel and degrading treatment that should never be used against children," adding that evidence does not show it is an effective deterrent to bullying or violence.
Historical Context
Caning in Singapore dates back to British colonial rule, even though the UK later abolished corporal punishment. Australia phased out caning in public schools decades ago, with some private schools only ending the practice in the early 2000s. According to a World Health Organization report from last year, there is overwhelming scientific evidence that corporal punishment of children carries multiple risks of harm and has no benefits.
