School Bullies in Singapore to Face Caning
Tuesday, 2026/05/12150 words2 minutes2442 reads
Singapore has announced new guidelines that allow caning as punishment for school bullies. However, Education Minister Desmond Lee emphasized that this measure would only be used as a last resort with strict safeguards in place.
Corporal punishment remains part of Singapore's school and criminal justice systems, despite regular criticism from human rights groups. Authorities defend the practice as an effective deterrent to crime and serious misconduct.
Under the new guidelines unveiled last month, students guilty of serious misconduct, including bullying, could face one to three strokes of the cane. The punishment applies only to male students in upper primary levels (ages 9 to 12) and above. Female students would receive alternative punishments such as detention, suspension, or conduct grade adjustments.
Schools must follow strict protocols: caning requires principal approval and can only be administered by authorized teachers. After the punishment, schools will monitor the student's well-being and provide counseling support.
