Singapore’s schools will introduce disciplinary measures and, if necessary, even corporal punishment by 2027 to combat student misconduct, including bullying, the local Straits Times newspaper writes.
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According to the newspaper, “serious offenses” will include harassment, fraud, gambling, and the use of electronic cigarettes, while “very serious offenses” will include arson, drug abuse, fighting, and crimes that caused serious harm to health.
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“By 2027, all Singapore schools must implement standardized disciplinary measures to combat student misconduct, including bullying,” the publication says.
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According to the Straits Times, disciplinary measures include suspension from classes for up to three days or suspension of studies for students who have committed serious offenses for the first time.
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“Persons who have committed an offense for the first time can also receive one lash, and for subsequent offenses – up to three lashes. Only boys in the senior grades of elementary school and older are flogged,” the publication noted.
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According to Singapore’s Minister of Education Desmond Lee, quoted by Straits Times, flogging as a disciplinary measure will be applied only if all other measures are ineffective.
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The Singapore Ministry of Education’s approach to dealing with bullying cases has tightened after several incidents surfaced on social media. In one case, three third grade elementary school students threatened to kill a classmate’s mother. All three were suspended from classes.
