News about school bullying has never ceased—it has only worsened recently. Many incidents go unreported, beyond what the media covers. If you've been reading posts in parenting Facebook groups, you'll see that the situation has been deteriorating over the years.
While physical bullying often gets the most attention, we must not overlook the rising cases of cyberbullying. Many children, who are not yet mature, are given access to the internet and social media. Without understanding the consequences of their actions, some engage in cyberbullying, causing harm to others. My daughter was not spared from it as well.
Keep a close eye on you children's behavior, both online and offline. Trust your parental instincts and guide them when they stray or become a victim. If you sense that your child is either bullying or being bullied, keep communication open—talk to them with understanding, not judgment. If we don’t address these issues while they are still young, things could escalate as they enter their teenage years.
We all have a role to play in preventing this situation from worsening. Protect your children, and look out for others too.
If your child is being bullied
If your child opens up to you about being bullied, take it as a sign of trust. Acknowledge their feelings and avoid brushing off the issue. Stay calm, listen attentively without judgment, and offer support while keeping a neutral stance. Reacting too strongly may cause them to shut down, fearing they might upset you.
Avoid placing blame on your child, as this could lead them to downplay the situation or feel anxious. There’s no justification for bullying, so don’t try to rationalize why it’s happening.
Instead, show empathy and focus on understanding the situation. Gather details—who was involved, what happened, what was said, and how your child responded. Ask them how you can support them. You might consider reaching out to the school, following up on the matter, and helping your child practice how to handle similar situations through role-playing.
Here are some articles you can refer to:
Help Your Child Stand Up to Bullies
Being bullied in school? Here's how to respond
askST: How can I help my child if he is targeted by a bully or is a bully?
News about bullying in school
07 Mar 2025
Montfort school fight: MOE may put out facts if 'one-sided story' posted online, says Maliki
Those who record the incident and share the recordings online will be called out, counselled and punished if necessary, says Second Minister for Education Maliki Osman.
03 Mar 2025
3 Montfort Secondary students involved in classroom fight to be punished: MOE
All three Secondary 1 students involved in the fighting incident in Montfort Secondary School will be punished, and that will include caning, detention and suspension.
24 Feb 2025
Montfort Sec bullying: Victim's mum files police report, says son is traumatised
A woman, claiming to be the mother of a student kicked by schoolmates at Montfort Secondary School, has filed a police report and is threatening legal action, she said in a Facebook post on Sunday
04 Feb 2025
“If we act like bullies, online or offline, they will too. Threatening, doxxing and being disrespectful to other children and teachers are not actions that make our children better,” said the education minister.
04 Feb 2025
Alleged assault at Admiralty Sec School not bullying incident: Chan Chun Sing
It resulted from an altercation between two new Secondary One students during the transition period.
16 Jan 2025
"But if you could see her, before depression and after depression, you can see the mark, the difference. She used to be very joyful."
09 Jan 2025
Sec 1 boy allegedly attacks classmate with bottle on 4th day of school, police investigating
An alleged dispute between two secondary one boys led to one allegedly attacking the other with a bottle, causing the latter to suffer a bleeding head wound.
08 Nov 2024
1 in 4 upper primary school students have been bullied: Singapore study
Researchers found that victims usually approached their friends or classmates and parents first, then their teachers and counsellors.
30 Oct 2024
Recent viral videos of students being assaulted have prompted questions on whether schools are adequately equipped to handle bullying today.
14 Oct 2024
Number of reported online bullying cases expected to rise as awareness grows: Chan Chun Sing
14 Oct 2024
Victims do not report school bullies because of shame, fear
Shame of being judged by peers. Fear of backlash after turning in the bully.
12 Oct 2024
The relentless nature of cyber bullying and why Singapore schools must remain vigilant
Schools are encouraged to keep up to date on cyber trends and issues, such as through resources provided by the Ministry of Education (MOE), said a lead school counsellor from the ministry’s guidance branch.
08 Oct 2024
The school said it has taken disciplinary action against the students involved.
25 Sep 2024
5 teenagers arrested for suspected rioting in wake of Qihua Primary School student assault video
The police said they take a serious view of such acts of violence and investigations are ongoing.
16 Sep 2024
Police report lodged over bullying incident involving Bukit View Secondary School students
The police are investigating a bullying incident after a video surfaced showing a pupil from Bukit View Secondary School being taunted and kicked to the ground.
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