In Singapore, male students who commit violence against others, including cyberbullying, may face caning as a “last resort” under new rules.
AzEdu.az reports, citing foreign media, that according to the rules being discussed in parliament, male students may be caned up to three strokes.
Education Minister Desmond Lee told MPs that caning would only be applied when all other measures proved insufficient, considering the seriousness of the violence.
Lee noted that strict procedures are followed to ensure safety, and the punishment must be approved by the school principal and executed only by authorized teachers.
The new rules were adopted as a result of a year-long investigation conducted after several serious school violence incidents in the country attracted public attention last year.
Caning will only apply to male students aged nine and above. Minister Lee stated that female students would face other punishments such as detention, suspension from school, or a reduction in their conduct grade, citing legislation that prohibits caning for women.
It was noted that after the implementation of the rules, schools would monitor the student's condition and provide psychological support.
International organizations such as UNICEF oppose physical punishment of children, arguing that it harms physical and psychological health and increases behavioral problems.
A report published by the World Health Organization last year emphasized that physical punishment is alarmingly widespread globally and has serious negative effects on children's development.
