Discipline in Schools Is Guided by Educative and Restorative Approach

We thank Straits Times readers for sharing their views on the Ministry of Education's (MOE) Comprehensive Action Review against Bullying, which have been largely addressed with the various recommendations and our existing values education curriculum.

On Ms Michelle Goh's views on the role of discipline in schools ("Discipline at school should reinforce rather than contradict values", April 30), we wish to assure her that MOE and schools remain committed to ensuring disciplinary practices are educative, fair and restorative, focused on developing students' character and socio-emotional skills.

We recognise the importance of starting upstream, and we seek to shape our students' character and social-emotional skills through the Character and Citizenship Education curriculum. Our schools also foster a pro-social peer culture where students look out for one another, stand together against hurtful behaviour and support those who are affected.

Disciplinary measures, when meted out, are designed to reinforce values like respect, responsibility and care. The goal is to guide students towards better choices and healthier relationships, where they understand the consequences of their actions and are accountable for their behaviour.

When an incident is reported, schools investigate thoroughly before deciding on the appropriate disciplinary and restorative actions. Actions are tiered based on severity of the offence and can range from reflection for minor misbehaviour to detention, suspension or, in egregious cases, caning for boys. Caning is considered only for extreme or repeated serious offences and administered only when all other measures are inadequate, given the gravity of the misconduct.

Importantly, caning is never administered in isolation, but forms part of a broader suite of restorative and disciplinary measures. Prior to administering caning, teachers help students understand why their actions are inappropriate, that their actions carry consequences and take responsibility for their actions. Following any disciplinary action, schools monitor the student's progress with mandatory counselling to support reflection, guide behaviour and facilitate the restoration of relationships with those affected. Parents are engaged throughout the process, enabling schools and families to work in partnership to support the student's rehabilitation and overall well-being.

MOE has provided schools with clearer guidelines on offence management processes and disciplinary measures, and will continue to review these regularly to ensure that they remain appropriate and aligned with overall educational goals. All schools assess and take appropriate action aligned to these guidelines, even as circumstances may differ for each case.

We will press on in partnering families and the wider community to create environments where every child feels safe, valued and supported to reach their full potential.

Mrs Tan Chen Kee
Deputy Director-General of Education (Schools) and Director of Schools
Ministry of Education