Singapore allows caning as punishment for school bullies

Minister Lee said the policy is based on research suggesting that children and teenagers “make better choices when there are clear boundaries enforced by firm, meaningful consequences.”

He said he believes the measure will help reduce school violence.

Under the MOE framework, schools will exercise discretion on whether to use caning as a disciplinary measure after assessing the circumstances of each offense.

If caning is used, it will not be administered in isolation but as part of a broader set of restorative and disciplinary measures.

After caning, schools will “monitor the student’s well-being and progress” and counsel the student to reflect and learn, while supporting the student’s rehabilitation, he said.

Meanwhile, female students who commit similar offenses may face detention, suspension, lowered conduct grades, or other school-imposed disciplinary measures. Singapore’s Criminal Procedure Code states that women shall not be punished with caning.

Caning was first introduced in Singapore during British colonial rule in the 19th century and remains part of the country’s judicial system for medically fit male offenders below the age of 50. Crimes punishable by caning include robbery, fraud-related offenses, and overstaying a visa by more than 90 days.

In recent decades, corporal punishment in schools has become increasingly rare worldwide.

However, the World Health Organization estimates that between one-quarter and one-half of children globally still experience physical punishment at school and has called for an end to the practice.

“The consequences of child corporal punishment can last a lifetime and undermine physical and mental health, education, and social and occupational functioning,” WHO said in a report last year.