Singapore authorizes caning for students involved in bullying

Monday 11 - 15:15

Singapore has announced stricter disciplinary measures against school bullying, including the use of caning for male students involved in serious cases of harassment or cyberbullying. The decision was confirmed during a parliamentary debate by Desmond Lee, who explained that the measure would only be applied as a last resort after other disciplinary options had failed.

According to the new guidelines, only boys aged nine and older may receive corporal punishment. Female students accused of bullying will instead face alternative sanctions such as detention, temporary suspension, reduced conduct grades, or other school disciplinary actions. Authorities stated that the rules are aligned with existing Singaporean legal procedures, which prohibit corporal punishment for girls.

The Ministry of Education emphasized that the punishment will be tightly regulated. Any caning must receive approval from the school principal and can only be carried out by specially authorized staff members. Schools will also limit the punishment to a maximum of three strikes while considering factors such as the student’s maturity and whether the sanction could help the child understand the seriousness of the offense.

Officials added that schools will continue monitoring the student’s well-being after the punishment and may provide counseling or psychological support when necessary. Singaporean authorities argue that clear boundaries and firm disciplinary measures can help reduce bullying and create safer learning environments for students.

The debate has also renewed international discussions about corporal punishment and children’s rights. Critics and child protection organizations have frequently warned that physical punishment may negatively affect children’s emotional and psychological development. Recent data from World Health Organization indicated that corporal punishment remains widespread worldwide and continues to impact millions of children every year.

Caning remains part of Singapore’s judicial system for certain offenses committed by adult males under the age of 50, including theft, fraud, and some immigration-related violations. The practice, inherited from the British colonial era, continues to generate debate both inside and outside the country.