Topic analysis

Singapore introduces caning for boys who bully others at school

Singapore has introduced new school guidelines allowing caning as a last-resort punishment for male students aged nine and above who engage in bullying, including cyberbullying. The measure, approved after a year-long review of high-profile bullying incidents, permits up to three strokes administered only with principal approval by authorized teachers, while female students face alternative punishments like detention or suspension; international groups such as Unicef oppose corporal punishment due to its harmful effects on children's physical and mental health.