Sharing Peer-reviewed Evidence that Caning Reduces Bullying Recidivism and Restorative Support Following Disciplinary Actions in Schools
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan’s inquiry into the peer-reviewed evidence for caning as a bullying deterrent and its consistency with a restorative school culture. She requested details on professional recommendations for standardising caning for first-time offenders and the specific, mandatory restorative support and accountability mechanisms schools must provide. Minister for National Development Mr Desmond Lee stated that the Ministry of Education had already addressed these points in previous oral and written answers. He referred the Member to the Official Report from 5 May 2026, which details the implementation of guidelines from the Comprehensive Action Review against Bullying. These previous responses provide the necessary information regarding the disciplinary framework and the support systems established for students involved in bullying incidents.
Transcript
93 Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for Education regarding the Comprehensive Action Review against Bullying (a) whether the Phase 1 literature review identified peer-reviewed evidence that caning reduces bullying recidivism; (b) which professionals consulted during the review had recommended including caning as part of standardised disciplinary measures for first-time offenders; and (c) what other specific findings, if any, from the stakeholder engagement process had informed this decision.
94 Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for Education how does the standardisation of caning as a disciplinary measure for first-time offenders sit alongside the Comprehensive Action Review against Bullying's stated objective of building a restorative school culture.
95 Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for Education regarding the Comprehensive Action Review against Bullying (a) what specific counselling and restorative support must schools provide to students following the administration of disciplinary measures; (b) whether such support is mandatory or at schools' discretion; and (c) what accountability mechanisms are in place to ensure this support is consistently delivered.
Mr Desmond Lee: This question has been addressed by the Ministry of Education's answer to oral Parliamentary Question Nos 7 to 29 and written Parliamentary Question Nos 41 to 49 on 5 May 2026. [Please refer to "Implementation of Guidelines from Comprehensive Action Review Against Bullying", Official Report, 5 May 2026, Vol 96, Issue 29, Oral Answers to Questions section; and "Disciplinary Framework Against Bullying in Schools", Official Report, 5 May 2026, Vol 96, Issue 29, Written Answers to Questions section.]