Managing Bullying in Singapore Schools: 3 Things Parents and Students Should Know
Bullying in Singapore Schools: Understanding the Landscape
According to Ministry of Education (MOE) data, the number of reported bullying incidents in Singapore schools has remained steady over the past five years. On average, for every 1,000 students, primary schools report two incidents annually, while secondary schools report six. Cases involving technology are even lower, with less than one incident per 1,000 secondary students and even fewer in primary schools. While these figures suggest that bullying in Singapore’s schools is relatively contained, it remains a concern that requires vigilance and proactive management.
The Ministry of Education’s Stand on Bullying
The MOE takes all forms of hurtful behaviour seriously, from one-off insensitive remarks to persistent bullying or physical violence Schools and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) have rules prohibiting any form of bullying in Singapore’s institutions. These institutions also educate students to recognise and reject negative behaviours, while collaborating with families, communities, and partners to intervene promptly when incidents occur.
As then Minister of Education Chan Chun Sing emphasised in Parliament in 2024, parents are encouraged to let schools handle cases of fighting or bullying without speculation or interference. Schools have trained personnel and processes to investigate and address incidents fairly, ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.
Research Insights: What the Numbers Might Not Show
Despite official statistics, research by the National Institute of Education (NIE), conducted in collaboration with Singapore Children’s Society and the National University of Singapore, suggests that bullying in Singapore’s schools may be more prevalent than reported. Their study found that one in four upper primary students had experienced bullying. Many victims first confide in friends, classmates, or parents before reaching out to teachers or school counsellors.
These findings indicate that official reports may not fully reflect the prevalence of bullying. Silent struggles among students highlight the importance of vigilance and proactive communication by parents to ensure timely support and intervention.
Our Stand: How Parents and Students Can Address Bullying
At Superstar Teacher, we believe that managing bullying incidents in schools requires collaboration among parents, students and educators.
- For Parents: Do not dismiss your child’s concerns or assume the school will handle everything. Establish clear communication channels with teachers and principals, and be proactive in voicing concerns. In severe cases, it may be necessary to involve the police or your local Member of Parliament. Parental advocacy reinforces the message that bullying is taken seriously and will not be tolerated.
- For Students: Children also need to develop confidence and the ability to stand up for themselves. Self-defense, when appropriate, is an important way to assert personal boundaries and should not be seen as aggression. Confidence can be strengthened through achievements in academics, sports or leadership roles, which improve social standing and reduce vulnerability to bullying. Students should feel empowered to seek support from peers and trusted adults while maintaining self-assurance.
Looking Ahead: Raising Awareness and Encouraging Action
Many children and teenagers struggle with depression or anxiety because they lack support or fear retaliation. Misplaced blame on victims emboldens bullies, especially when incidents are treated as mutual conflicts rather than recognising the instigator.
Effectively managing bullying in Singapore schools requires clear identification of harmful acts and those responsible. Schools, parents and students must work together to ensure consequences focus on actual bullying behaviour. By doing so, we can foster safer learning environments where children thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
About Superstar Teacher
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Our curriculum is meticulously crafted to align with the latest MOE syllabus, offering dynamic modules for Primary and Secondary students, fostering advanced learning and building a solid foundation. Additionally, our personalised one-on-one sessions make homework enjoyable and manageable, providing tailored support for your child. Our ultimate goal is to achieve exam success for every child. With our competency-based approach, rest assured that your child is equipped with essential skills, gaining insights into question trends and powerful answering techniques.
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