MOE bullying review will involve parents, educators in next phase
Shermaine Ang for The Straits Times
SINGAPORE - A Ministry of Education (MOE) review of its approach to handling bullying, which began earlier in 2025, will include parents, educators, professionals and the community in the next phase.
This was announced in an Instagram post on Aug 24 by Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC MP David Hoe, who is a member of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Education and a former teacher.
"As a country, we must never condone bullying or allow it to become part of our culture," said Mr Hoe, who has two young children.
But when it happens, the right tools and support must be in place so that individuals can acknowledge their wrongs and take steps to change, he added.
Mr Hoe attended his first GPC meeting last week, where bullying was one of the issues discussed.
GPCs are backbench committees that scrutinise various ministries' legislation and programmes, and serve as an additional channel of feedback on government policies. The make-up of the GPCs for the 15th term of Parliament was released on July 10.
Mr Hoe's remarks follow a recent case of bullying in Sengkang Green Primary School, where a Primary 3 pupil was caned for his involvement in bullying a female classmate.
The boy was also suspended along with two other Primary 3 pupils after death threats were sent to the girl's mother, who had reported the three boys to the school for bullying her daughter.
Concerns about bullying have surfaced from time to time on social media and online when incidents come to light.
Parents and members of the public have called for more transparency in the way schools handle bullying, including in the disciplinary actions taken.
On MOE's review of bullying, Mr Hoe emphasised the importance of taking age-appropriate actions for the child's stage of cognitive development, such as guiding bullies to reflect on what they did.
Speaking to The Straits Times, he said children who are suspended, for instance, may not make meaningful use of their time during suspension to think about their actions.
"Is our aim to instil fear, or to help (those who bully) to grow? If the aim is to help them to grow, then introspection is important, resolution is important," he added.
He said children who bully should be taught to understand why their actions are not acceptable, and go against social values such as kindness.
Mr Hoe said many residents and parents have shared their concerns about bullying with him.
For those who are being bullied, Mr Hoe said he hopes more safe channels can be created for them to report the bullying. He gave the example of online platforms for reporting cases of vaping, for those who do not feel comfortable about reporting to their teachers.
"I look forward to seeing the outcome of this review sooner rather than later," he said in his Instagram post.
The Straits Times has contacted MOE for details of its review of the bullying issue.
Following the recent incident at Sengkang Green Primary, Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Elysa Chen has also spoken up strongly against bullying.
"Bullying is not simply 'kids being kids'. It is not harmless teasing. It is not a rite of passage," said Ms Chen in an Aug 22 Instagram post. Ms Chen is also part of the GPC for Education and has a young son.
"When one child repeatedly uses words, actions, or power to hurt, humiliate, or exclude another, it creates wounds that can linger far longer than we imagine. Studies and lived experiences tell us that bullying can erode confidence, damage mental health, and in some cases, shadow a child well into adulthood."
Ms Chen also acknowledged the complex nature of bullying.
As children are still learning empathy, boundaries and communication, what begins as play can cross into harm, she said, adding that bullies may be grappling with hurt or unmet needs themselves.
"This does not excuse the behaviour, but it reminds us that stopping bullying requires more than punishment. It requires understanding, teaching, and healing."
Ms Chen added that parents, teachers and caregivers must look out for children who are bullied.
Some children may not share what happened, but may grow reluctant to go to school, or show sudden changes in mood, appetite, or sleep, she said.
"A gentle word, a listening ear, and a safe space for open conversation can make all the difference for a child who feels unseen," she said.
