A video circulating on Facebook, which has amassed over a million views, shows a male student being wrestled to the ground and kicked while lying on the floor by several peers.
The undated footage indicates, based on the students’ uniforms, that the incident occurred at Montfort Secondary School.
In the video, a group of students can be seen following one student from behind.
Shouts of encouragement can be heard in the background, including one student urging, “Faster, faster.”
One of the students then runs forward and wrestles the victim to the ground, while another kicks him. In the background, a group of students cheers.
As the victim gets up and continues walking, the same student who pushed him earlier catches up and shoves him down again.
Despite falling, the victim manages to get back on his feet.
The video has sparked widespread backlash on Reddit and various online forums, with many calling for immediate action against the perpetrators.
In response to the incident, Montfort Secondary School’s vice-principal, Wilson Tay, stated to Mothership that the school is aware of the situation and has taken appropriate disciplinary actions against the students involved.
He emphasised that the safety and well-being of all students are taken seriously, and that affected students have been counselled, with their parents engaged in the process.
“The students have acknowledged that their behaviours were wrong and have expressed remorse,” Tay said. “The school has zero tolerance for bullying and violence, and will continue to seek to provide a safe learning environment for all students.”
On Reddit, users shared personal experiences and concerns about bullying at Montfort Secondary School.
One user wrote, “My friend’s son was bullied in Montfort till he didn’t dare to go to school. Transferred out to another school and he still goes for counselling from the trauma he faced.”
Another questioned the lack of discipline in schools, asking, “Why are schools so happening nowadays? All not scared of teachers anymore is it?”
Some users accused the Ministry of Education (MOE) and schools of not taking bullying seriously.
One Redditor commented, “I think the problem comes as there isn’t a video about consequences, or there isn’t, hence kids probably acted like this. MOE/School are protecting the bullies by either covering up or handing light punishment for cases like that.”
Another wrote, “School will tell people no vigilantism, tell the victim he needs to stay away from them because it’s his fault he put himself in front of the bullies to bully, ask the victim to talk nicely to the bully to calm them down.”
Some also referenced Education Minister Chan Chun Sing, questioning what he would say about the incident.
Earlier this year, Minister Chan addressed school bullying concerns in Parliament. On 4 February, he stated that while parents are understandably anxious, they should allow schools and authorities to handle such incidents rather than stepping in or speculating.
“The Ministry of Education (MOE) does not disclose details of such incidents or the child’s family circumstances out of respect for their privacy, and due to the sensitive nature of these matters,” he said.
He made these remarks in response to questions from Progress Singapore Party Non-Constituency MP Hazel Poa regarding two bullying incidents at Admiralty Secondary School. He noted that in both cases, the school took disciplinary and restorative actions.
In one incident on 7 January, a 12-year-old boy allegedly attacked his classmate, causing a cut on his head that required hospital treatment. Minister Chan clarified that MOE’s preliminary investigation found this to be an altercation rather than bullying.
“The form teacher intervened immediately on witnessing the scene, and separated the students. The injured student received first aid for the cut on his head, while the school leaders called for an ambulance to convey him to hospital,” he said.
In a separate case in 2023, a student fell from height due to alleged bullying and depression. In response to this tragedy, Minister Chan stated, “MOE is deeply saddened by this loss, and our condolences are with her family and loved ones.”
He acknowledged the complexity of suicides, noting 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.”
Minister Chan also cautioned against vigilantism, stating that public involvement can complicate situations and hinder rehabilitative efforts.
“The unhelpful involvement of even a small number of adults can complicate the situation and make guiding students more challenging,” he said.
He emphasised that while no one should be bullied, and no one should bully, the virality of social media posts has heightened sensitivities and increased social media vigilante actions, which can normalise extremes and hinder rehabilitative actions.
As public outrage over the Montfort Secondary School incident grows, many are awaiting further responses from school authorities and the MOE.
The post Viral video of student being bullied at Montfort Secondary School sparks online outrage appeared first on The Online Citizen.
