Singapore's Controversial Caning Policy for Young Students Amid Anti-Bullying Strategy
Singapore says teachers can cane students as young as 9 in new anti-bullying strategy
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Singapore's education minister Desmond Lee confirmed that teachers can cane students as young as 9 years old as part of a new anti-bullying strategy. This disciplinary measure will be implemented in schools from 2027, following strict protocols and only for serious offenses. The policy has drawn criticism amid global calls to end corporal punishment in schools.
- 01Teachers in Singapore can cane students as young as 9 under strict protocols.
- 02The new policy is part of an anti-bullying strategy set to roll out in 2027.
- 03Caning is only permitted for male students and for serious offenses as a last resort.
- 04The World Health Organization has called for an end to corporal punishment in schools.
- 05Singapore maintains strict laws and has faced international scrutiny over its disciplinary practices.
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Singapore's education minister Desmond Lee announced that teachers can discipline unruly students through caning, starting from age 9, as part of a new anti-bullying strategy. This measure, which will be implemented in schools from 2027, will only be used when other disciplinary methods have failed and for serious offenses. Caning must be approved by the principal and administered by authorized teachers, with factors such as the student's maturity considered. Critics, including the World Health Organization (WHO), argue that corporal punishment can have lasting negative effects on children's mental and physical health. The WHO has urged an end to such practices, citing evidence of harm without benefits. Singapore, known for its strict laws, has faced international scrutiny for its disciplinary methods, notably in past cases involving foreign nationals.
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The new caning policy may affect the disciplinary practices in Singaporean schools, raising concerns about children's mental health and well-being.
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