Formal Training in Restorative Practices to Address Bullying in Schools

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Ms Elysa Chen, Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education in respect of the ongoing review to better address bullying in schools, whether the Ministry plans to provide teachers and school staff with formal training in restorative practices.

Response

1. All teachers are trained to foster positive classroom culture, including strategies based on restorative approaches. This includes building positive peer relationships, effective classroom management to address challenging behaviours, and facilitating conflict and relationship restoration. Key school personnel are trained to oversee and implement prevention and intervention measures to create a peer support culture, address bullying incidents, engage parents and facilitate restoration of relationships.
2. These training programmes are delivered through pre-service and in-service courses. Some schools may also engage external service providers for additional professional development for their teachers in these areas.