Comprehensive measures in place to address school bullying

We agree with Ms Sarah Lee-Wong Mayfern that bullying is not acceptable and has no place in our schools (More robust anti-bullying measures needed for students’ safety, Sept 19).

Schools take educative, preventive and intervention measures to address bullying incidents. School rules and disciplinary frameworks are clearly and regularly communicated to students, including the safe channels to report bullying and hurtful behaviours, and to alert teachers where needed.

Through Character and Citizenship Education, students learn respect, care and empathy for others, the importance of respecting personal boundaries and the consequences of overstepping these boundaries.

Students also learn to walk away from bullies and seek help from trusted adults, and to look out for their peers.

All schools have a peer support structure, with trained leaders to alert teachers, refer peers for help where needed and provide social-emotional support to their peers.

Teachers are trained to foster positive classroom culture, identify students in distress and proactively address hurtful behaviour. They are supported by experienced school staff and school counsellors to manage bullying incidents, restore relationships and work with parents.

When there are allegations of bullying, schools investigate and follow up with counselling support for the students involved. Appropriate disciplinary actions are taken to help students understand there are consequences if they engage in hurtful behaviour.

Schools also engage parents on the social and emotional skills taught in school, expected conduct and behaviours of students, and potential consequences arising from unacceptable behaviours.

When a child encounters bullying, parents play a crucial role in supporting their child by remaining calm, offering emotional support, reinforcing social and emotional skills to manage the situation, and working closely with the school.

We assure Mr Harry Ong Heng Poh that our schools take bullying seriously (It was brutal seeing how pupil was bullied by older boys, Sept 25). After the incident was reported, the school immediately contacted the pupil’s parents to offer support, including advising the pupil to seek medical attention, implementing measures to ensure his safety and providing counselling support.

The school has also reiterated to the wider school community its anti-bullying stance and reporting channels.

The police are investigating the case and have identified those involved in the incident. Five of them have been arrested for suspected involvement in rioting.

The Ministry of Education and our schools will continue to create a caring and safe learning environment for our students.

Tan Chen Kee
Deputy Director-General of Education (Schools) and Director of Schools
Ministry of Education