On 20 August, the Ministry of Education (MOE) released a detailed statement and timeline following widespread scrutiny over a bullying case at Sengkang Green Primary School.
The case involved three nine-year-old students allegedly making graphic death threats against a classmate and her mother. The pupils were suspended, with MOE confirming that disciplinary actions, including caning, could follow.
The victim’s mother, Ni Yin, had earlier shared a viral account on Facebook describing her daughter’s alleged abuse over several months. She accused the school of inadequate response and insufficient protection, sparking a wave of public support and debate.
MOE’s statement came amid growing calls for accountability and transparency in how schools manage bullying, especially when serious psychological harm and threats of violence are involved.
MOE defends handling of Sengkang Green Primary bullying case amid public outcry
According to MOE, schools take reports of bullying seriously, gathering facts and administering disciplinary consequences promptly.
It emphasised that schools adopt an “educative and restorative” approach, paired with discipline, to help children correct misbehaviour and reinforce values.
The ministry said Sengkang Green Primary suspended the three students immediately after the threats. “Given the severity of their actions, the school will mete out further disciplinary consequences, including caning,” MOE stated.
It added that the affected pupil herself had at times engaged in “hurtful behaviour,” which the school had also addressed.
MOE defended this approach as “even-handed,” though the point drew criticism online for being perceived as victim-blaming.
Timeline of events and disputed accounts
MOE detailed a sequence of meetings and communications.
The school arranged on 14 August to meet the victim’s parents on 18 August to review actions taken and implement a safety plan.
However, the parents took to social media on 15 and 16 August, before the meeting, alleging that the school had not acted and no safety plan was in place.
MOE criticised the move, calling it a “dramatised, one-sided account” that caused further distress and hindered reconciliation efforts.
The 18 August meeting reportedly lasted four hours. According to MOE, the parents agreed to continue at Sengkang Green Primary with an enhanced safety plan, dropping an earlier request for a transfer.
Mother raised alarms earlier than official timeline
While MOE emphasised its timeline, checks on Ni Yin’s Xiaohongshu (XHS) account revealed she had flagged the bullying as early as 10 August.
This was four days before the school’s official arrangement for a meeting.
Ni’s posts documented stark allegations, including her claim that a vice-principal told her the school “cannot 100% guarantee” her daughter’s safety.
She said this remark left her deeply anxious and doubtful of the school’s ability to protect her child.
Her posts also accused the bullies of targeting multiple children, engaging in extortion, physical violence, and verbal abuse, despite prior complaints from parents.
The pupil obtained the victim’s mother’s contact, resulting in harassment
Ni further alleged that when she contacted another parent, her phone number was passed to the bullies.
This led to harassing calls and even death threats directed at her family.
She expressed regret for not recognising the severity sooner, but blamed the school’s inaction and lack of transparency for worsening the ordeal.
She said repeated complaints had gone unheeded, resulting in fresh assaults in early August.
In Mandarin posts, Ni explained: “For nearly half a year, my daughter has endured bullying, including insults, physical attacks, and death threats. ”
“We sought help through teachers, the school, police, MOE, and MPs, but the problem remained unresolved. Only then did we turn to the media.”
MOE warns against social media escalation
In its statement, MOE criticised the decision to publicise details online, saying such accounts could cause children emotional harm and hinder reconciliation.
“In this case, it has also led to online attacks and doxxing of our educators and young children. These are bullying behaviours themselves and send the wrong signal to children,” the ministry said.
MOE stressed it cares for the well-being of all students and staff, and would take firm action to safeguard educators from harassment under its Engagement Charter.
Public criticism and demands for stronger protocols
Despite MOE’s defence, public reaction has been largely critical. Many parents said the ministry’s tone appeared defensive and dismissive of the victim’s plight.
Some accused MOE of victim-blaming by highlighting the girl’s alleged misbehaviour. Others shared personal experiences of delayed or inadequate school responses, claiming meaningful action often happened only after cases gained traction online.
Calls are now mounting for firmer anti-bullying protocols, stronger accountability from educators and parents of bullies, and enhanced victim protection to restore trust in schools.
Family awaits police investigation outcome
On 20 August, Ni thanked the public for overwhelming support.
She said her family was cooperating with the police investigation and hoped for a fair and thorough outcome.
“This has been a very frightening time for us, especially for my daughter, who just wants to go to school safely like every child deserves,” Ni said.
She added that her family would continue to do everything possible to protect her daughter and ensure accountability.
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