Chilling Bullying Cases Highlight Need for Empathy in Schools

A recent incident involving a Primary 3 student in Singapore has raised alarm about the alarming nature of bullying among children. The student reportedly sent a death threat to a classmate’s mother, stating, “I might dissect her … I will kill you and your husband.” Delivered in a singsong voice typical of a nine-year-old, these words highlight the disturbing normalization of violence among young individuals.

The issue of bullying has gained significant attention in Singapore, with several incidents making headlines in recent months. In February, a student at Montfort Secondary School was filmed being tripped and kicked by peers, while in January, another student at Admiralty Secondary School suffered a head injury from an alleged assault by a classmate. Both cases prompted police investigations, reflecting a growing concern over school safety.

Public Outrage and Digital Amplification

The digital landscape plays a crucial role in shaping public reactions to bullying incidents. Clips and soundbites quickly circulate online, often stripped of context, leading to immediate outrage. In the case of the Sengkang Green Primary School student, the mother took to Facebook to share her child’s experience, igniting widespread discussions that eventually led to the identification of educators and students involved in the incident.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) responded by confirming that the bullied student had also engaged in “hurtful behaviours” towards others. Following these revelations, the MOE announced plans to enhance school disciplinary frameworks and improve reporting channels as part of an ongoing review aimed at addressing bullying more effectively.

As a parent, the urge to seek public support on social media is understandable, particularly when a child’s safety is at stake. Bullying can have severe psychological effects, with reports indicating that one in four upper primary school students in Singapore have experienced it. Victims often face increased risks of depression, anxiety, and changes in behaviour that may persist into adulthood.

Digital Parenting: Navigating Challenges

Emilia Idris, a senior lecturer at the Centre for Educational Development at Republic Polytechnic, highlights the difficulties parents face in today’s digital world. She notes that her older children grew up before the smartphone era, allowing for more traditional forms of interaction. However, for her youngest child, smartphones are an integral part of life, affecting education, play, and social interactions.

Teaching children to navigate the digital landscape safely is essential but challenging. Online games, for instance, can quickly turn hostile, with children subjected to harassment from strangers. In Singapore, approximately 74 percent of internet users encounter harmful content like cyberbullying, particularly on social media platforms. This pervasive exposure can lead to desensitization towards violence and, in some cases, contribute to the cycle of bullying.

In response to the growing crisis, Australia announced a social media ban for children under 16 years old in 2024, aiming to mitigate bullying and related developmental issues. Similar measures are being considered in Singapore, but experts emphasize that such bans are not sustainable solutions. Instead, fostering soft skills like empathy, active listening, and the ability to handle complex situations should take precedence.

Idris cites parenting educator Janet Lansbury, who emphasizes the importance of maintaining calmness when addressing bullying. Rather than labeling children as “bullies” or “victims,” Lansbury advocates for creating non-judgmental spaces where both parties can express their feelings. This approach encourages understanding and ownership of behaviour, which is essential for long-term healing.

Encouraging empathy in children requires patience and commitment. By modeling empathetic behaviour, parents can help cultivate a generation that is more understanding and resilient. The digital world is here to stay, but how children learn to navigate it remains a critical area for growth and support.

As society grapples with the complexities of bullying in an increasingly digital age, clear communication, empathy, and informed parenting practices will play a pivotal role in shaping future generations.