Singapore’s Ministry of Education has reinforced disciplinary guidelines that impose caning exclusively on boys for serious offences, including bullying, vaping, and repeat misconduct in schools [1]. Girls are exempt from caning under these rules.
Bullies can receive up to three strokes of the cane as part of disciplinary measures, with the goal of enforcing immediate compliance [2]. However, critics argue the punishment does not effectively promote accountability or long-term behaviour change [1].
In 2024, a notable case at Singapore Sports School involved male students circulating deepfake nude images of female classmates. The boys faced a battery of penalties including suspension, removal from boarding, bans from sports trips, phone confiscation, police involvement, and caning [1]. This case highlighted the severity with which schools are treating bullying and related offences.
The use of caning for bullying and other serious misbehaviour has sparked debate among parents, teachers, and parliamentarians, reflecting ongoing concerns over discipline and student welfare [2]. Despite the criticism, the Ministry remains firm on the role of caning as part of a broader disciplinary framework.
By 2027, all Singapore schools will implement standard disciplinary measures that include detention, conduct grade adjustments, and caning for bullies and repeat offenders [2]. This confirms caning as a formal and consistent element of the disciplinary process in Singapore’s education system.
