Education Minister Chan Chun Sing, on Tuesday, 4 February, emphasised the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) serious stance on bullying and violence in schools but cautioned against social media-driven vigilantism by adults. He warned that such actions could worsen school-related conflicts instead of helping resolve them.
Mr Chan made the remarks in response to parliamentary questions about two recent incidents at Admiralty Secondary School that gained widespread attention due to viral Facebook posts shared by the students’ relatives.
Progress Singapore Party Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Hazel Poa asked the Minister for Education: (a) whether the ministry has conducted investigations into an alleged assault at Admiralty Secondary School on 7 January 2025; (b) if so, whether the results of the investigations can be released; (c) whether any investigations have been conducted into the suicide of a former Admiralty Secondary School student in 2023, particularly regarding allegations that school leaders and the principal dismissed the student’s complaints of bullying; and (d) whether any actions have been taken against the perpetrators or school leaders involved in each case.
In his response, Mr Chan highlighted the negative impact of public reactions driven by incomplete information, stating, “No one should be bullied. No one wants to be bullied. And no one should bully.” However, he warned that the rapid spread of social media posts has “heightened sensitivities” and triggered “increased social media vigilante actions.”
“These actions can normalise extreme reactions and hinder rehabilitative efforts,” he said, adding that even limited “unhelpful involvement” from adults could complicate matters and make it harder for schools to guide students.
Mr Chan further noted that some adults have taken to social media or appeared at schools to demand action, threaten staff, or even target other students. He categorically condemned such behaviour, stating, “This is wrong,” and added that MOE would not tolerate it.
Although these incidents are relatively rare, they require a disproportionate amount of time and resources to manage and must not be allowed to escalate, Mr Chan said.
7 January incident at Admiralty Secondary School
Addressing a specific incident at Admiralty Secondary School, Mr Chan explained that the school sees an average of about two bullying cases per year per 1,000 students, which he said is consistent with the national average across secondary schools.
The police confirmed on 8 January that they were investigating a case where a student allegedly assaulted a classmate on 7 January, resulting in the victim sustaining a head wound. A Facebook post by a man claiming to be the victim’s uncle described the incident as a “brutal assault” that left the boy with a deep cut on his head requiring stitches.
However, Mr Chan clarified that preliminary MOE investigations found the incident to be an altercation between two Secondary 1 students between classes, rather than a case of bullying. One student struck the other on the head with a plastic water bottle, causing a cut.
The incident was witnessed by the form teacher, who intervened immediately and separated the students. The injured student was given first aid before being transported to a hospital via ambulance, Mr Chan said, adding that the school “acted appropriately” by ensuring he received timely medical care.
The injured student has since returned to school, and the student responsible for the injury has been suspended. The school is also providing counselling and will impose further disciplinary measures. As part of the resolution process, the school will help restore the relationship between the two students upon their return.
Mr Chan acknowledged the concerns of parents whose children are involved in such incidents but urged them to allow schools and authorities to handle matters professionally. He warned against speculation and emotionally charged public reactions, stating, “Without the full facts, let us not speculate or jump in to complicate matters further.”
The Education Minister stressed that schools, with their expertise and authority, are best placed to manage these situations and implement appropriate disciplinary and restorative measures.
2023 incident
In response to the incident involving a student who fell from height in 2023, Mr Chan said, “MOE is deeply saddened by this loss, and our condolences are with her family and loved ones.”
He acknowledged the complexity of suicides, stating that the causes and potential triggers are multifaceted. “When such incidents occur, our school leaders strive to provide support to affected students and their families, working closely with them to manage their grief. In handling these situations, MOE ensures strict confidentiality and does not disclose details of the incidents or the family’s circumstances to the public.”
“Given that this particular case has now been brought to public attention, I want to assure members of the House that the school went above and beyond to support the student as she navigated emotional challenges.”
Mr Chan added that school staff maintained communication with the student’s family throughout the process, reaching out to collaborate with and support them. He refuted the “one-sided allegations” made against Admiralty Secondary School, stating that they do not reflect the full picture. “These allegations overlook the extensive efforts the school made to assist both the student and her family during their time of need.”
In a supplementary question, Ms Poa asked whether MOE tracks the outcomes of rehabilitation efforts, such as monitoring how many students involved in bullying or violent incidents reoffend.
In response, Mr Chan did not directly address whether MOE tracks such outcomes but emphasised that bullying cases in Singapore schools are rare and the rate of repeat offences is very low.
