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Bullying is a problem faced by children in every country around the world. Read this page to learn interesting facts about bullying in Singapore.
The Problem
As in other parts of the world, bullying is a problem in
Singapore schools. In June 2006, a survey of 4000 Singaporean schoolchildren was
conducted by the Harvest Centre for Research, Training and Development, and the
Coalition Against Bullying for Children and Youth. 95% of all the children
surveyed said that they had been bullied in school. 2800 of the 4000 had
experienced physical bullying: being kicked, hit or pushed.
Besides
physical violence, other common forms of bullying are the use of vulgar
language, name-calling and the spreading of negative rumors. Ms. Tan, head of the
Singapore Children's Society, said, "Although the impact of physical bullying is
greater, we cannot underestimate the effect of verbal abuses. Bullying usually
starts small and, if you don't curb it then, it may become a big problem
later."
 In primary school (grades 1 through 6), bullying occurs mainly in
the canteens (46%) and playgrounds (42%). In secondary schools (grades 7 through
12), most bullying happens inside the classroom (38%), in the canteens (35%),
and in the toilets (23%). Bullying is occurring even in pre-schools.
Effects
Children who are bullied said they feel angry, lonely and
depressed. In the short term, they might do poorly in school, be absent
frequently, and even suffer from illnesses. Possible long-term effects include
violent behavior toward the bully or even suicide. Bullies themselves have a
tendency to become criminals and have social difficulties when they grow
up.
Prevention
Singapore does not
have compulsory anti-bullying programs in  schools, but many schools have implemented such
programs on their own. However, the Education Ministry of Singapore says that, "Bullying
in schools is regarded as a serious matter and besides taking appropriate
disciplinary measures on bullies, counseling and other preventive actions are
also carried out." Discipline masters/mistresses, Operations Managers, and
teachers are being trained on how to track and deal with bullying.
During
the Bully Free Week from 23-July-2007 to 26-July-2007, Internet resources
(http://www.bullyfreecampaign.sg/) were created for victims, bullies and
bystanders. Children and adults can learn about how to recognize, avoid, and
stand up against bullying in all Singapore schools.
Quick Fact
Some children who are bullied go on to become bullies
themselves.
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[What Is Bullying] [Types of Bullying] [Why People Bully]
[Who Gets Bullied] [Consequences of Bullying] [Are You a Bully]
[Bullying in Singapore] [The Witness for Truth]
[What Victims Can Do] [What Witnesses Can Do]
[What You Can Do To Stop Bullying At Your School]
[What Parents of Witnesses Can Do]
[What Parents of Victims Can Do]
[What Parents of Bullies Can Do] [What Schools Can Do]
[What Communities Can Do] [What Law Enforcement Can Do]
[What Is Cyberbullying?] [Types of Cyberbullying] [What You Can Do]
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