Oversight and Standardisation of Anti-bullying and Anti-harassment Policies Across Institutes of Higher Learning and Protocols for Victim Protection and Disciplinary Action
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the Ministry of Education's oversight of anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies across Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and whether standardised protocols exist to protect victims and penalise offenders, as asked by Dr Charlene Chen. Minister Desmond Lee responded that the Ministry of Education and IHLs maintain a zero-tolerance stance against bullying and harassment. He explained that all IHLs have student codes of conduct and calibrated disciplinary frameworks that take into account severity, culpability, and mitigating or aggravating factors. When incidents occur, institutions investigate the facts, take disciplinary actions ranging up to suspension or expulsion, and provide counselling and support to affected students. While the Ministry does not impose a single standardised protocol, it requires every IHL to maintain robust disciplinary and support processes and continues to work with them to strengthen these measures.
Transcript
40 Dr Charlene Chen asked the Minister for Education (a) what specific oversight does the Ministry exercise over anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies in Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs); and (b) whether the Ministry provides guidelines to tertiary institutions on standardised protocols to protect victims and penalise perpetrators.
Mr Desmond Lee: My response will address the questions raised by Members to address the Ministry of Education's (MOE's) oversight over bullying in our institutes of higher learning (IHLs). [Please refer to "Standardised Protocols for Reporting, Investigating and Providing Support for Cases of Bullying and Harassment in Institutes of Higher Learning", Official Report, 10 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 37, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.]
MOE and our IHLs adopt a zero-tolerance stance against bullying and harassment. All IHLs have disciplinary frameworks to address bullying. While the details may differ across institutions, our IHLs' disciplinary action is calibrated based on the nature and severity of the misconduct, the harm caused and the student's level of culpability. Aggravating or mitigating factors are also taken into account.
All IHLs have codes of conduct that set out expected standards of behaviour for students. Our IHLs educate all students on respectful conduct, encourage them to look out for one another and speak up when they witness bullying or harassment. When an incident is reported, the IHL will investigate the matter, establish the facts and take appropriate restorative and disciplinary action based on the circumstances. Depending on the severity of the misconduct, this may include counselling, suspension or expulsion. IHLs also provide counselling and other support for affected students.
While MOE does not prescribe a single, standardised protocol for all IHLs, we expect every IHL to have robust disciplinary processes and appropriate support for affected students, and we will continue to work closely with the IHLs to strengthen these policies and practices as needed.