Singapore's education minister Desmond Lee announced that teachers are now permitted to use caning to discipline unruly students in certain cases, a decision that has reverberated globally. 'Our schools use caning as a disciplinary measure if all the other measures are inadequate, given the gravity of the misconduct,' he said in parliament on Tuesday, responding to new anti-bullying measures announced on April 15.
Framework for Caning
When questioned about the mental health impact of caning children as young as nine, Lee stated that caning must first be approved by the principal and administered only by authorized teachers. 'Schools will consider factors such as the maturity of the student and if caning will help the student learn from his mistake and understand the gravity of what he has done,' he told lawmakers. The new framework is set to be rolled out across Singaporean schools from 2027.
Lee added that the approach is based on research indicating that children and youth learn to make better decisions when there are clear boundaries, enforced by firm and meaningful consequences.
Limitations and Guidelines
According to the Ministry of Education website, only male students can be caned. 'Caning is a disciplinary option for boys only, and for serious offences as a last resort, when absolutely necessary,' it states. This has raised questions about gender equality in disciplinary measures.
Public Debate
The announcement has sparked an online debate. Some support the measure as a last resort, while others condemn it. One netizen wrote, 'There is a fine line between disciplining and abuse. This is fine. Unreasonable and irrational beating is a no.' Another commented, 'It's a norm when we are growing up in the 70s-90s. We are doing just fine. Actually, we grow up a stronger person then today generation.'
However, critics argue against the policy. 'Introducing whipping doesn't mean all kids will get whip but only the menace one, don't like then don't it. Is like having prison in the adult world,' one user said. Another added, 'I like the initiative but not the implementation. First of all it should be for both genders. Secondly, without some mechanism of oversight, it will occasionally cause injuries and death by abusive teachers. Corporal punishment has its place but you need some kind of control.' A shocked user remarked, 'Lowkey shocker. School policies should be about safety, not punishment. 9-year-olds? Come on, Singapore? Let's focus on support, not whipping.'
Long-Term Consequences
Corporal punishment in schools has largely faded globally, but the World Health Organization reports that between a quarter and a half of children worldwide still experience it. 'The consequences of child corporal punishment can last a lifetime and undermine physical and mental health, education, and social and occupational functioning,' WHO stated in a report published in August 2025.
Singapore, a highly developed and wealthy hub in Southeast Asia, is known for its strict rules that have contributed to its growth. Whether caning only male students will effectively reduce bullying remains to be seen.
