Forum: More robust anti-bullying measures needed for students’ safety

The Bukit View Secondary bullying incident is a stark reminder of the persistent issue of bullying in schools (

Police report lodged after video of secondary school bullying incident goes viral

, Sept 16).

While efforts have been made to address this problem, more robust measures are needed to ensure the safety and well-being of our students.

We must create a safer and more supportive space for all students. This requires a multifaceted approach that involves strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing educational programmes, providing adequate support resources, and fostering a culture of empathy and respect.

I urge the Education and Law ministries to work together to strengthen the educational efforts and the legal framework against bullying. This could involve imposing stricter penalties on perpetrators based on restorative justice practices, and establishing more accessible resources for students and their parents to understand their rights and know how to respond to and report bullying incidents.

The Ministry of Education should also provide greater clarity on how its “serious view on bullying” translates into practical measures within schools. What educational programmes are in place to teach students about bullying prevention and bystander intervention? What support resources are available to victims of bullying, including trauma-informed counselling services, mediation programmes, and legal assistance? How are those in schools responsible for handling bullying incidents trained?

To ensure the effectiveness of its anti-bullying efforts, the Ministry of Education should commission an independent evaluation of all current anti-bullying programmes and measures. This evaluation should assess their efficacy in preventing bullying, fostering a positive school climate, and supporting victims. It should also identify gaps and recommend areas for improvement.

In reviewing and refining anti-bullying measures, agencies should seek input from those who have been bullied, the challenges they faced in getting help, and the adequacy of existing resources in helping them. This will ensure that the approach is grounded in real-world experiences and addresses the specific needs of victims.

Finally, we must examine the underlying causes of aggressive and bullying behaviours among our young. As adults, we are responsible for modelling respectful and positive relational skills for the younger generation. By doing so, we can contribute to a more supportive and inclusive social culture.

Let us each do our part to ensure that our society is kind and our schools are where every child feels safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Sarah Lee-Wong Mayfern