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Previously, schools adopted a tiered approach to discipline based on severity, ranging from reflection for minor cases to detention, suspension or caning for more serious offences. In severe cases, police reports may be filed.<\/p>\n
However, there were differences in how schools handled such cases, said Minister for Education Desmond Lee, who added that the more stringent framework aims to ensure a more consistent approach across schools.<\/p>\n
From 2021 to 2025, schools recorded an average of three bullying cases per 1,000 primary school students and eight per 1,000 secondary school students, MOE said.<\/p>\n
This is higher than from 2019 to 2023, when an average of two cases per 1,000 primary students and six per 1,000 secondary students per year were recorded.<\/p>\n
The guidelines apply not only to bullying but also to other forms of misconduct, such as theft and vandalism, and will be implemented across all schools by the start of 2027.<\/p>\n
MOE said schools will retain discretion to impose additional school-based consequences based on their assessment of each case. Mitigating factors \u2013 such as a student\u2019s age, maturity, special educational needs and mental well-being \u2013 will also be considered before caning is administered.<\/p>\n
School-based consequences may include writing reflections or having students share lessons learnt with their peers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n