Singapore tightens school bullying penalties with corporal punishment for boys
Singapore has introduced stricter penalties for school bullying, including corporal punishment for boys in upper primary grades and above. The move follows a series of high-profile cases in 2025 that led to widespread public concern.
The Ministry of Education announced the new measures in mid-April, requiring all schools to enforce them by 2027. Under the updated rules, caning may be used as a last resort if other disciplinary actions fail.
Before applying corporal punishment, schools must obtain approval from the principal. Only authorised teachers can carry it out. The decision will also consider the student’s maturity and whether the punishment will help them grasp the seriousness of their behaviour. For girls involved in bullying, alternative penalties apply. These include suspension from classes and lower conduct grades. The ministry has stressed that caning will not be automatic but reserved for severe or repeated offences, including online harassment.
The changes aim to address rising concerns over bullying in schools. Authorities have made it clear that corporal punishment will remain a final option after other interventions. Schools now have until 2027 to fully implement the new disciplinary framework.
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