Recommendations from MOE's Comprehensive Action Review Against Bullying

Strengthening our collective response to tackle bullying through a stronger partnership between schools, families, and the community.

The Ministry of Education (MOE), with the support of the COMmunity and PArents in Support of Schools (COMPASS) Council¹, has completed the Comprehensive Action Review against Bullying, aimed at strengthening existing efforts to better address hurtful behaviours and bullying in schools.

2. Bullying is a complex and serious issue that calls for a sustained, collective response. Building on existing efforts, MOE conducted internal reviews, and also engaged over 2,000 educators, parents, students, professionals and members of the public since August 2025. The majority agreed that addressing bullying holistically requires multiple parties working together – involving collective action from schools, families, and the wider community through strengthened systems and processes in schools, positive culture-building, and coordinated society-wide efforts.

Review Recommendations

3. Following the review and feedback received, MOE, with the support of COMPASS, has developed nine comprehensive recommendations across four key areas (refer to Annex A for the recommendations).

4. First, we will continue to inculcate the right values in our students. We will enhance values education in the curriculum and co-curriculum to develop students' character and social-emotional skills such as empathy, resilience, and conflict management. For example, more role-play and authentic scenarios will be incorporated to allow students to practise perspective-taking, conflict management and resolution, and learn how they can be upstanders. Schools will further empower students to lead and foster a pro-social peer culture where they look out for one another, stand together against hurtful behaviours, and support students who are affected by such hurtful behaviours.

5. We recognise that schools play a central role in creating a safe, caring and enabling environment for our students. Many schools have established processes to prevent and respond to bullying while fostering a culture of care, trust and mutual respect. We will continue to deepen a culture of kindness and respect in all our schools. We will also strengthen schools' management of hurtful behaviours and bullying, including cyber-related incidents. Schools will be provided with clearer guidelines on case management processes, including communication timelines, safety planning, disciplinary measures, counselling and restorative actions (refer to Annex B for the guidelines), to address hurtful behaviours and bullying in a timely and consistent manner. We will increase the availability and accessibility of reporting channels and support for affected students. Schools will also address hurtful behaviours and bullying more proactively in schools through early identification, intervention, and support, with stricter disciplinary measures for all serious offences, including bullying (refer to Annex C for disciplinary measures).

6. Third, MOE will provide additional needs-based funding for schools to hire additional manpower, which will support schools in student management whilst managing teacher workload. Schools may engage youth workers, pastoral care officers, and/or parent liaison officers to support school staff in student management work. We will tap on technology to improve case management processes and facilitate timely communication and intervention. To deepen educator capacity in student management and parent engagement, MOE and schools will also enhance professional development for educators, including skills for investigation, conflict resolution, and parent engagement.

7. Finally, we will enhance whole-of-society partnerships, as creating safe environments for children extends beyond the homes and schools. Parents and families can reinforce positive values and character at home through adult role-modelling and partner schools to support their child's development and well-being. We will also work with community partners, including civil society organisations and social service agencies, to promote mutual kindness and respect across all sectors of society. Information and resources on managing hurtful behaviours and supporting children's well-being are available on the MOE website at https://go.gov.sg/schbullyingreview.

8. These measures, progressively implemented from 2026, embody a society-wide approach that recognises addressing bullying requires shared responsibility and collective commitment. Through coordinated efforts across schools, homes and communities, we can create environments where every child feels safe, valued and supported to reach their full potential.

Footnotes

1. COMPASS is a National Advisory Council established to advise MOE on ways in which school-home-community collaboration could be strengthened and promoted. The 14th COMPASS Council is chaired by Minister of State for Education Ms Jasmin Lau and comprises members from various stakeholders representing parents, self-help groups, industry, media and early childhood educators.