Singapore has announced tough new anti-bullying measures that will allow schools to cane male students involved in serious bullying cases, including cyberbullying, in a move that has sparked international debate over corporal punishment and child discipline.
The new guidelines, discussed in the Singapore parliament this week, state that boys aged nine and above could face up to three strokes of the cane if school authorities determine that other disciplinary measures have failed. Singapore’s Education Minister Desmond Lee said the punishment would only be used as a “last resort” in severe cases of misconduct.
According to the government, schools will be required to follow strict safety protocols before carrying out corporal punishment. Caning must receive approval from the school principal and can only be administered by authorised staff members. Authorities will also consider factors such as the maturity of the student and whether the punishment would help the child understand the seriousness of the offence.
The revised disciplinary measures come after a year-long review focused on school bullying, following several high-profile incidents that drew public attention in Singapore last year. Officials said the tougher framework is aimed at maintaining discipline and ensuring safer school environments amid rising concerns over harassment and online abuse among students.
While male students may face caning, female students will not be subjected to corporal punishment because Singapore’s criminal procedure laws prohibit the caning of women and girls. Instead, girls found guilty of bullying could face punishments such as detention, suspension, reduced conduct grades and other school-based disciplinary action.
The decision has reignited criticism from international child rights organisations and health bodies. Agencies such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization have repeatedly opposed corporal punishment, arguing that it can negatively affect children’s physical and mental wellbeing and may contribute to long-term behavioural problems. A recent WHO report noted that corporal punishment remains widespread globally and can harm children’s development and emotional health.
Despite global criticism, Singapore has continued to defend caning as an effective disciplinary tool. Judicial caning, introduced during British colonial rule in the 19th century, remains part of the country’s legal system for certain crimes committed by men under the age of 50. Offences punishable by caning in Singapore include robbery, vandalism, immigration violations and some financial crimes.
Caning has also long existed in Singapore’s school system as a disciplinary measure for boys, although the government says it is reserved for serious misconduct. Under existing education regulations, schools are permitted to cane male students with a light rattan cane either on the palm or over clothing on the buttocks. The maximum number of strokes allowed in schools was reduced from six to three in 2017.
Singapore authorities said schools would continue to provide counselling and monitor the wellbeing of students after disciplinary action is taken. The government maintains that discipline, guidance and rehabilitation must work together in addressing bullying among children and teenagers.
