Trends in Online Harassment of Educators and Measures to Support and Safeguard Educators' Well-being

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Assoc Prof Kenneth Goh, Nominated Member of Parliament

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry has observed an increase in online content publicly rating or mocking educators or staff; (b) how such cases are addressed when they amount to harassment; and (c) what measures are in place to assess and safeguard teacher well-being against sustained online harassment.

Response

1. MOE has not observed any significant increase in online content that mocks or rates educators. The occurrence of such content is generally low.
2. MOE takes all forms of harassment against our educators and staff seriously. This includes online harassment. When our educators and staff encounter harassment whilst carrying out their duties, they should inform their School Leaders or MOE for advice and support.
3. MOE maintains a zero-tolerance stance against such behaviours and will act to address them. When our educators or staff face sustained or malicious harassment, MOE and the school may seek police assistance and pursue legal action to protect them. This includes invoking the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) and Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act (OSRA) in the case of harmful or sustained online harassment.
4. Beyond these protective measures, we will continue to promote respectful communication and positive role-modelling within the school community. Our schools will also continue to teach how to express respect in person and on-line, including discernment in following trends. Creating a safe and supportive environment for our educators and staff requires collective effort from all stakeholders.