Young Bully’s Threat Shocks Singapore, Sparks Calls for Action

News of a Primary 3 student from Sengkang Green Primary School sending a death threat to a classmate’s mother has raised serious concerns about the prevalence of bullying in Singapore. The child’s alarming words, “I might dissect her … I will kill you and your husband,” were delivered with a disconcerting innocence typical of a nine-year-old. This incident highlights the troubling normalization of violent behavior, potentially fueled by constant exposure to digital environments.

Reports indicate that bullying incidents are becoming increasingly visible in Singapore. In February, a student at Montfort Secondary School was filmed being tripped and kicked by peers. Earlier, in January, an Admiralty Secondary School student suffered a head injury in an alleged assault. Both cases prompted police investigations, underscoring the urgent need for effective interventions.

Online Outrage and Its Consequences

The digital landscape has significantly altered how society perceives and reacts to bullying. Incidents often go viral, with snippets of videos and soundbites circulating rapidly. This phenomenon can lead to overwhelming outrage, creating echo chambers that polarize opinions. In the Sengkang case, the mother of the bullied child took to social media to share her experience, igniting widespread discussion. Unfortunately, this also resulted in the doxxing of educators and minors involved.

In response to the uproar, the Ministry of Education (MOE) publicly addressed the situation, revealing that the bullied student had also exhibited “hurtful behaviours” toward others. On August 27, 2024, the MOE announced plans to enhance disciplinary frameworks in schools and improve the accessibility of reporting channels. This initiative aims to create a safer environment for students.

Parents, understandably, may feel compelled to seek public support on social media when their children are threatened. Bullying is a significant issue, with studies indicating that one in four upper primary school students experience it. Victims often face long-term consequences, including increased risks of depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal.

Navigating Parenting in a Digital World

As a mother of three, I recognize the challenges of raising children in a digital age. My older children grew up before smartphones became ubiquitous, but the moment they received their first phones, their engagement with reading and other activities diminished. They learned to distinguish between playful interactions and harmful exchanges, developing skills to manage online conflicts.

In contrast, my youngest was born into a world dominated by technology. For him and his peers, smartphones are integral to education, play, and social connections. It is easy to suggest that parents should teach children to navigate this complex digital landscape, but the reality can be daunting. Online games, while seemingly harmless, can expose children to toxic behavior from strangers. In Singapore, 74% of internet users encounter harmful content like cyberbullying, predominantly on social media platforms.

Given this context, it is not surprising that many children may become desensitized to aggression, and some may even engage in bullying themselves. In late 2024, Australia announced a ban on social media for children under 16 as a strategy to combat bullying and related developmental issues. Other countries, including Singapore, are considering similar measures. However, this approach alone will not suffice.

To address the root causes of bullying, parents and educators must prioritize the development of soft skills such as empathy, active listening, and the capacity to navigate complex social situations. Reducing situations to binary concepts of good and evil does not foster understanding.

The insights of renowned parenting educator Janet Lansbury offer valuable guidance on addressing bullying. When approached by both the bully and the bullied, Lansbury emphasizes the importance of maintaining calmness and providing a non-judgmental environment. For the bullied child, she promotes composure and ownership of their experiences, steering clear of overprotectiveness.

As an adult, I find the most challenging aspect is to remain calm in the face of conflict. It is instinctive to protect our children, yet every situation has multiple perspectives. By modeling empathy ourselves, we can foster a generation that is more compassionate and resilient than previous ones.

The digital world will continue to evolve, but as parents and educators, we have the opportunity to shape how our children engage with it. Empathy does not excuse harmful behavior, but it empowers us to respond thoughtfully, fostering a more understanding society.