17 May 2007
Schools take necessary actions to address bullying in schools
- We thank the letter-writers who had provided feedback on dealing with bullying in schools.
- We wish to assure them that bullying in schools is regarded as a serious matter. Our schools put effort into minimising such problems and ensuring a safe school environment for all our students.
- During their growing years, children are learning about themselves and how to form healthy relationships with others. Schools seek to guide them and help them understand that bullying is wrong. They also seek to equip students with the skills to handle challenging situations, and encourage them to seek help whenever necessary.
- Schools also investigate all incidents of bullying and work to resolve them quickly. Depending on the seriousness of the offence, they use counselling, mediation and/or disciplinary measures to educate and correct students on their misbehaviour.
- MOE is significantly enhancing counselling resources in schools. We have provided secondary schools with full-time school counsellors (FTSCs). All primary schools and junior colleges/centralised institute will have FTSCs by the end of 2008. Other than school counsellors, most secondary schools have teachers who are Honorary Volunteer Special Constabulary Officers with the skills to conduct investigations into bullying cases.
- Parents are schools' key partners in education. Our schools value their support in inculcating in their children the need to respect and make friends with their peers, and in resolving problems. Parents who have feedback about their children are advised to approach the school leader to discuss their views. Such mutual support between parents and the school will help the children better learn from their experiences.
- Our schools are committed to high standards of discipline. They will continue to take proactive measures in addressing discipline issues, and keep striving for improvement.
Wong Siew Hoong
Director of Schools
Ministry of Education
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