Singapore’s New Anti-Bullying Plan & What to Do If Your Child Has Been Bullied

Bullying isn’t new. Nevertheless. The way it shows up today has changed dramatically. Playground conflicts. School. Group chats and social media. Children can now experience bullying both offline and online. Without adults even noticing sometimes. The focus on tackling bullying has renewed to become more proactive in Singapore. The Ministry of Education announces new measures to deal with bullying. MOE strengthens its approach. It works closely with schools, parents, students, and communities – to create a safer, more supportive environment for children. Has someone bullied your child? The BusyKidd’s guide will walk you through Singapore’s new anti-bullying plan. And through what you can do step by step.

Singapore’s New Anti-Bullying Plan

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Singapore’s approach isn’t based on a single campaign. It is a system-wide effort that focuses on prevention, early detection, and intervention. The Ministry’s review ran for over a year and involved more than 2000 participants. As a result, a comprehensive package of key recommendations was announced. Enhanced anti-bullying measures focus on stricter, consistent disciplinary actions, improved reporting channels, and a stronger peer-support culture. Every school in Singapore must follow the same rules on bullying by 2027.

Key MOE Recommendations

Teach Kids To Be Kind, Brave, And Supportive

Schools are putting more focus on values like empathy, resilience, and speaking up when something is wrong.
Children don’t just learn this in theory – they practice through role-playing real-life situations, learning how to manage conflicts, and understanding how to stand up for others.

The goal is to raise ‘upstanders’ – kids who don’t stay silent when they see bullying.

Make Schools Safer, Kinder Places Every Day

Schools are expected to actively build a culture where respect and kindness are the norm, students feel safe to speak up, and bullying is taken seriously – every time.
Teachers are getting clearer guidance on what counts as bullying, how to respond quickly and consistently, and how to handle both offline and online situations.

Make It Easier (And Safer) For Kids To Speak Up

One big change: better reporting system.

Students (and parents) can report concerns more easily (including online), share issues confidently, expect schools to follow up properly.

The system is designed so that children feel safe asking for help.

Stronger Partnership Between Schools And Parents

Singapore is putting a big focus on teamwork:

Schools keep parents informed earlier and more clearly
Parents are encouraged to work closely with teachers
Everyone shares responsibility for the child’s well-being

Take Cyberbullying Just as Seriously as ‘Real-Life’ Bullying

Bullying doesn’t stop at the school gate – and Singapore is addressing that.

Children are taught to behave responsibly online, what to do if something goes wrong, and why sharing or ‘liking’ harmful content also matters.

Clearer Consequences – But Also Support

Consequences depend on the child’s age, the seriousness of the incident, and whether it has happened before. For example, serious first-time offences now trigger up to 3 days’ detention or suspension (or both), plus a conduct grade, and/or 1 stroke of the cane (for upper primary and older boys only, with aggravating factors), and conduct grade adjustment. Second-time very serious offences now trigger up to 14 days of detention and/or suspension, and/or up to 3 strokes of the cane (for upper primary and older boys only), and conduct grade adjustment (‘Poor’). You can check the full list of consequences here.

While there are clearer rules and consequences for bullying, the focus isn’t just punishment.

Schools also:

Help children who bully understand their actions
Provide counseling and guidance
Work on repairing relationships

The aim is not just to stop the behaviour – but to change it long-term.

Everyone Plays a Role – Not Just Schools

Singapore’s approach goes beyond classrooms.

It includes:

Parents
Community organisations
Students themselves

Bullying is a shared responsibility – not just a school issue.

Types of Bullying Parents Should Recognise

Understanding what bullying looks like today helps you spot it earlier.

Physical Bullying:

Hitting, pushing, tripping
Damaging belongings

Example:

A child repeatedly gets ‘accidentally’ pushed during recess.
A child’s lunchbox or school supplies are regularly taken, hidden, or thrown away.
A group blocks a child’s way in the corridor or playground, intimidating them physically without obvious violence.

Verbal and Emotional Bullying:

Name-calling, teasing, threats
Humiliation or constant criticism

Example:

A child is mocked daily for their accent or appearance.
A child is constantly compared to others in a negative way, like ‘You’re the worst in class’.
Someone uses sarcasm or ‘jokes’ that always target the same child, making them feel small or embarrassed.

Social Exclusion:

Being deliberately left out
Spreading gossip or rumors

Example:

A child is excluded from group chats or parties.
Classmates plan activities in front of the child by making it clear they’re not invited.
A group tells others ‘don’t talk to them’ or ‘don’t sit with them’, isolating the child socially.

Cyberbullying:

Hurtful messages, fake accounts, public shaming
Sharing embarrassing photos or videos

Example:

A class WhatsApp group targets one student with insults.
A child is removed from a group chat on purpose, then others continue talking about them inside the same group.
Someone creates memes, edited photos, or inside jokes online that mock the child and spread among classmates.

Such situations may seem small. But when they happen repeatedly or intentionally, they can deeply affect a child’s confidence and sense of safety.

Warning Signs Your Child Might Be Bullied

Children don’t always say it directly. More often, they show it through small changes in moods, habits, behaviour. Look for patterns. One sign alone may not mean much – but a pattern over time is worth your attention.

Emotional Signs

These are often the first – and easiest to miss.

Sudden anxiety, sadness, or frequent crying
Becoming unusually quiet, withdrawn, or ‘not themselves’
Low self-esteem
Mood swings, irritability, or anger at home
Fearfulness, especially about school or certain people

Your children may not have the words to explain what’s happening – so emotions come out instead.

Behavioural Signs

These show up in daily routines and habits.

Your child avoids school or certain activities or makes excuses not to go
Changes in sleep or appetite
Frequent ‘mystery’ illnesses
Losing belongings or asking for replacements more often
Sudden drop in school performance or motivation

These are often coping signals, not ‘bad behaviour’.

Digital Red Flags

Bullying doesn’t stop after school – and sometimes it’s even harder to notice.

Becoming secretive about phones or devices
Distress after using their phone and being online
Suddenly deleting social media accounts or apps
Avoiding devices they used to enjoy
Constant checking of messages (or, vice versa, completely avoiding them)

A child’s online mood shift can be just as important as what happens offline.

Not every change means bullying. Nevertheless. Do you notice several signs at once, sudden or unusual behaviour, changes that don’t go away? It’s worth starting a gentle conversation.

Children often stay silent because they feel embarrassed. Kids don’t want to worry you. Kids think it will make things worse. That’s why your role is not to ‘detect perfectly’. It is to create a space where your child feels safe to open up. A simple question like ‘I’ve noticed you seem a bit quieter lately – want to talk?’ can make all the difference.

Think of these signs as early signals – not final proof. The earlier you notice and respond, the easier it is to support your child and stop the situation from growing. You don’t need to have all the answers. Just being present, calm, and open is already a powerful first step.

As for ways to protect your child…

Practical Ways to Protect Your Child

Prevention starts at home. And small habits make a big difference.

The best protection against bullying doesn’t start when something goes wrong. It starts long before that. In everyday conversations, habits, and relationships.

Build Open, Everyday Communication

Make talking part of your daily routine – not just when there’s a problem. Instead of quick questions like ‘How was school?’, try:

‘Who did you spend time with today?’
‘What made you smile today?’
‘Anything tricky happened?’

Create a space where your child feels heard, safe, and supported. When children feel comfortable sharing small things, they’re much more likely to tell you the big ones.

Teach Emotional Awareness

Children who understand their feelings are better equipped to handle difficult situations.

Help your child

Name emotions
Recognise how situations affect them
Know that all feelings are valid

This builds confidence and helps them respond, not just react.

Practice Assertiveness

It is a skill. And it can be learned.

Role-play simple situations at home:

What to say if someone is mean
How to talk confidently
When to seek help

Useful phrases to practice:

‘Stop. I don’t like that.’
‘That’s not okay.’
‘I’m going to tell a teacher.’

Practice at home – this makes it easier to use in real life.

Healthy Friendships

Strong friendships are one of the best protective factors.

Encourage to

Spend time with kind children
Join group activities
Learn what a real friend is like

Gently ask

‘Who do you feel good around?’
‘Who makes you feel comfortable being yourself?’

Feeling included reduces the risk of isolation or persecution.

Smart Digital Habits

Online safety is just as important as playground safety.

Guide your child to

Keep accounts private
Only connect with people they know
Don’t share personal details or photos
Know how to block and report

Keep devices in shared spaces. Have open conversations about what they see online.

The goal is not control – it’s awareness and trust.

Speak Up Early

Many situations become more serious simply because they go unspoken.

Teach that

It’s ok to ask for help
Telling is not ‘snitching’. It’s protecting yourself
Adults are there to support them

Reassure them: ‘You won’t get in trouble for telling me something important’.

Confidence Through Strength

Confident children are less likely to be targeted. And more likely to respond effectively.

Support your child

In activities they enjoy
In skills they’re proud of
In situations where they feel capable

Celebrate effort – not just results. Confidence grows from feeling valued and capable.

Stay Gently Involved

You don’t need to control every moment. But staying aware helps.

Know your child’s friends. Be aware of school dynamics and group chats. Notice changes in mood or behaviour.

Think of it as quiet awareness. Not surveillance.

Protecting your child doesn’t mean removing every challenge. It means giving them tools, confidence, and support to handle difficult situations. The goal is not to raise a child who never faces problems – but a child who knows ‘I can handle this. I’m not alone.’

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Bullied

Has your child been bullied? It can feel emotional – even overwhelming. You want to react quickly. But! A calm, structured response that makes your child feel safe and supported helps the most.

Stay Calm

Your reaction sets the tone. You feel angry and upset – but you should stay calm and focused. Your child needs your attention. Avoid interrupting or jumping to conclusions.

Say things like:

‘I’m really glad you told me.’
‘This is not your fault.’
‘We’ll figure this out together.’

The goal is simple: your child should feel safe talking to you again

Listen First – Don’t Rush to Fix

Let your child share in their own words. Gently ask:

‘What happened?’
‘How did it make you feel?’
‘Has this happened before?’

Avoid interrogating, minimizing, immediately offering solutions.

Gather and Document What Happened

Once your child is ready, start collecting details.

Write down dates, times, and locations.
Mention who was involved and what exactly happened.
For cyberbullying, take screenshots, save messages, posts, or images.

It helps you see patterns and gives schools something concrete to act on.

Contact the School Early

You don’t have to wait for things to get worse. Reach out to a form teacher, school counselor, year head or school leadership (if needed).

Stay factual and calm when communicating. Share documented details. Ask what steps will be taken.

Schools must investigate promptly, support both students, and keep parents informed.

You’re not making a fuss. You’re protecting your child.

Work Together With the School

The best outcomes usually come from collaboration. Be open to meetings with teachers and counselors, agreed action plans, and ongoing updates.

Ask questions like ‘How will this be monitored?’ or ‘What support will my child receive?’

Think partnership. Not confrontation.

Know When to Escalate

If the situation doesn’t improve or feels serious:

Request a meeting with the school leadership.
Follow formal reporting channels.
Seek external advice if needed.

Trust your instincts. If something feels unresolved, it probably is.

Support Your Child’s Emotional Recovery

Bullying doesn’t end when the situation stops. Feelings can linger.

Help your child:

Talk openly about their emotions
Rebuild confidence step by step
Stay connected to supportive friends

Encourage activities they enjoy, as well as small wins and positive experiences.

Consider school counseling or external child psychologists.

Healing takes time. And that’s okay.

Avoid Common Mistakes (Even With Good Intentions)

It’s natural to want to fix everything fast. But try to avoid:

Confronting the other child or their parents directly.
Posting about the situation online.
Telling your child to ‘just ignore it.’
Forcing them to handle it alone.

These can sometimes make the situation worse or more stressful for your child.

Empower Your Child Moving Forward

Once things are under control, focus on building strength for the future.

Practice:

What to say in difficult situations
When and how to seek help
Recognising healthy vs unhealthy relationships

The goal is not just to solve this situation – but to prepare your child for future ones.

When bullying happens, your child needs one thing above all: to know they are not alone.

With the support of schools and guidance from MOE, you have a clear path forward. And even more importantly, your child has you – calm, supportive, and ready to stand by their side every step of the way.

Helpful Resources in Singapore

When it comes to bullying, one of the most reassuring things for parents is this: you’re not alone – and there are real, accessible support systems in Singapore.

Whether your child needs someone to talk to, professional support, or you need guidance as a parent, here are trusted places you can turn to.

1. Start with your child’s school: teachers, school counsellors, student welfare officers.

Support is structured in levels:

Immediate help from teachers
Referral to counsellors if needed
Escalation to external specialists for more serious cases

In many cases, early school involvement is the fastest and most effective solution.

2. Helplines your child can use (even without you). Sometimes children feel more comfortable talking to someone outside the family.

Here are safe options:

Tinkle Friend (by Singapore Children’s Society)
- 1800 2744 788
- For younger children (primary school age)
- Offers emotional support and advice in a safe, friendly way
Help123 (Cyber Wellness Support Line)
- 1800 6 123 123
- Supports children, parents, and teachers with online issues and cyberbullying

These services are especially helpful if your child:

Is hesitant to talk to adults they know
Needs immediate emotional support
Is dealing with online bullying

3. Counseling and Emotional Support Services. If your child is struggling emotionally, these organisations can help:

Samaritans of Singapore
- 24/7 emotional support hotline
- Confidential support for anyone in distress
Singapore Association for Mental Health
- Mental health support for children and families
Fei Yue / Child Protection Specialist Centres
- Support for children facing deeper emotional or safety concerns

These services are useful when your child shows ongoing anxiety or distress, or the situation has affected their confidence or well-being.

4. Government Support and Protection Services. If bullying becomes serious (especially involving harm or safety concerns), there are official channels:

Child Protective Services (MSF)
- For cases involving abuse or serious risk
- Emergency: call the police if a child is in immediate danger
National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline
- 1800 777 0000

These are not for everyday school conflicts, but for situations where safety is at risk.

5. Community Organisations Focused on Bullying. These groups specialise in bullying awareness, prevention, and support:

Coalition Against Bullying for Children and Youth
- Provide resources, education, and advice for families dealing with bullying
Singapore Children’s Society
- Workshops, guidance, and prevention programmes
TOUCH Cyber Wellness
- Focus on digital safety, cyberbullying education, and parent workshops

6. Reporting Channels and Official Guidance. Parents and students can also:

Report bullying directly to schools
Use official reporting channels through MOE
Expect confidential and proper follow-up

It is completely normal to feel unsure about where to turn. Singapore’s support system is well-connected and designed to help early. Begin with your child. Then your child’s school. And reach out to external support if needed.

The most important thing your child needs to know is that help is always available – and you will find it together.

Bullying can feel overwhelming – for both children and parents. Nevertheless. With the stronger systems now in place in Singapore, and the right support at home, children don’t have to face it alone. The most important message you can give your child is simple and powerful: You are safe. You are supported. And we will handle this together.