New rules aimed at strengthening discipline in Singaporean schools have come into effect. Harsh measures, including corporal punishment, may now be applied to boys involved in insults, violence, or bullying.
It is reported that this punishment is used only as a last resort, when other educational methods have proven ineffective. Under the new rules, a student can be caned up to three times. The process is carried out under strict supervision.
The principal's approval is required to administer the punishment, which is performed only by authorized teachers. Factors such as the student's age, the severity of the offense, and whether they acknowledge their guilt are taken into account. After the punishment, the student receives psychological support and is monitored.
These measures apply only to boys over the age of 9. For girls, other disciplinary actions are used, such as detention, temporary suspension, or grade reduction.
International organizations, including UNICEF, have expressed opposition to such corporal punishment, arguing that these methods can negatively affect children's mental and physical well-being.
For context, caning is a historically established practice in Singapore and is still used for certain crimes today.
