Getting Bullied in Schools in Singapore

Getting Bullied in School: Understanding the Problem and Finding a Solution

Bullying is a widespread issue that affects millions of students every day. It can happen anywhere and at any time, but school is one of the most common places where it occurs. The impact of bullying can be long-lasting and profound, leading to negative outcomes such as decreased self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and even suicide. It is essential for parents, educators, and students to understand the problem of bullying in schools and to take steps to prevent it from happening.

What is bullying?

Bullying is a repeated, intentional act of aggression that is carried out by one or more individuals against another person. It can take many forms, including physical, verbal, or emotional abuse. It can also happen through social media, text messages, or email.

Who are the victims of bullying?

Anyone can be a victim of bullying, but children who are perceived as different or who do not fit in with the norm are often targeted. This can include children who are overweight, disabled, gay, or who come from a different cultural or ethnic background.

What are the consequences of bullying?

The consequences of bullying can be severe and long-lasting. Children who are bullied often experience low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and a range of other emotional and mental health problems. They may also have difficulty concentrating in school and may miss school as a result of bullying. In extreme cases, bullying can lead to suicide.

- Cyberbullying: In 2018, a 16-year-old girl committed suicide after being bullied online by her classmates. The incident sparked widespread concern and led to calls for stronger measures to prevent cyberbullying.
- School bullying: In 2019, a group of students at a secondary school were caught on video bullying their classmate. The video went viral on social media and sparked widespread outrage, leading to the suspension of several students involved.
- Workplace bullying: In 2020, a former employee of a government agency filed a lawsuit against her former employer, alleging that she was subjected to bullying and harassment at work. The case raised concerns about bullying in the workplace and the need for employers to take action to prevent such behavior.

In more recent cases, we have seen the perpetrators even posting the videos on bullying-related tiktok videos, indicting themselves in the act.

One case included a student posting a video on TikTok buying a handbag from Charles & Keith, with the comments subsequently dinging her for calling the brand luxury. The founder of Charles & Keith subsequently invited her out to the headquarters, condemning the comments and bullies.

What can be done to prevent bullying in schools?

There are many steps that can be taken to prevent bullying in schools. These include:

Educating students, teachers, and parents about the issue of bullying and its effects
Implementing anti-bullying policies and procedures in schools
Encouraging students to speak out and seek help if they are being bullied
Encouraging students to stand up for each other and to support those who are being bullied
Providing support and resources for students who have been affected by bullying.

Students play a part as well

Protect yourself from becoming a target. Being socially aware and adept can also help individuals protect themselves from becoming a target of bullying. By demonstrating positive and respectful behavior, individuals can avoid attracting negative attention and reduce the risk of becoming a target. Additionally, individuals who are confident in their social skills and have strong self-esteem are less likely to be intimidated by bullies and more likely to stand up for themselves in difficult situations.

It’s important for individuals to take care of their own well-being and protect themselves from bullying, while also being proactive in preventing bullying behavior in their social environment. By being socially aware and adept, individuals can not only prevent bullying, but also create a safer and more positive community for all.

National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868 (8am-12am daily, from 1 Sep 2020)

Mental Well-being
– Fei Yue’s Online Counselling Service
– Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline (6389-2222)
– Samaritans of Singapore (1800-221-4444)
– Silver Ribbon Singapore (6385-3714)

Marital and parenting issues Community Psychology Hub’s Online Counselling platform

Violence or abuse
– Big Love Child Protection Specialist Centre (6445-0400)
– HEART @ Fei Yue Child Protection Specialist Centre (6819-9170)
– PAVE Integrated Services for Individual and Family Protection (6555-0390)
– Project StART (6476-1482)
– TRANS SAFE Centre (6449-9088)

Counselling TOUCHline (Counselling) – 1800 377 2252

For other Helplines and mental health-related support go.gov.sg/hotlines (BELLE, Beyond the Label helpbot)

What can Parents do to help their children who are being bullied?

Here are several steps that parents can take to help their children who are being bullied in school:

Talk to their child about the issue. It is important for parents to create an open and supportive environment where their child feels comfortable discussing the bullying they are experiencing.
Report the bullying to the school. If a child is being bullied, parents should reach out to the school and inform them of the situation. The school can then take steps to address the issue and prevent it from happening again.
Get involved in their child’s education. Parents should be active in their child’s education, including attending parent-teacher conferences and volunteering at the school, which can help to build a positive relationship with the school and ensure that the bullying issue is being addressed.
Teach their child to stand up for themselves. Parents can help their child by teaching them how to assert themselves, communicate effectively, and stand up for their rights.
Seek outside help. If the bullying continues despite efforts to address it, parents may want to consider seeking the help of counselor or therapist, who can provide additional support and guidance.
Be supportive. It is important for parents to be supportive of their child and to offer encouragement and reassurance throughout the process of addressing the bullying issue.

In summary, by staying involved and informed, being a supportive and active advocate for their child, and seeking outside help when necessary, parents can play an important role in helping their child deal with bullying in school.

Singapore Laws on Bullying

In Singapore, bullying is not specifically defined as a criminal offense, but it is recognized as a serious problem that can have long-lasting effects on the well-being of individuals. There are several laws and regulations in place that address bullying and related behavior in different contexts, including in schools and the workplace.

Education Act: The Education Act requires schools to take steps to prevent and address bullying, including the development of anti-bullying policies and procedures. Schools are also required to provide counseling and support to students who have experienced bullying.
Protection from Harassment Act: The Protection from Harassment Act provides protection against harassment, which can include bullying, in various forms, including physical, verbal, and online. Under this act, individuals who engage in harassment can face criminal charges, including imprisonment and fines.
Employment of Teachers Act: The Status of Teachers Act requires teachers to maintain discipline and create a safe learning environment in their classrooms. This includes preventing and addressing bullying behavior among students. Teachers who fail to maintain discipline and prevent bullying can face disciplinary action, including termination of their employment.
Workplace Safety and Health Act: The Workplace Safety and Health Act requires employers to provide a safe and healthy working environment for their employees, which includes preventing and addressing bullying in the workplace. Employers who fail to maintain a safe working environment can face penalties and fines.

In conclusion, there are several laws and regulations in place in Singapore that address bullying and related behavior, including in schools and the workplace. Individuals who engage in bullying can face consequences, including criminal charges, disciplinary action, and fines, depending on the context and severity of the behavior.

How can home tuition help?

Home tuition can be an excellent way to prevent bullying in schools. When a student receives private tuition, they are able to work one-on-one with tutor who is dedicated to helping them succeed. This individual attention can help to boost the student’s confidence and self-esteem, making them less vulnerable to bullying.

Moreover, home tuition can also provide students with a safe and supportive learning environment. They will not have to worry about being bullied or excluded by their peers, and they will have the opportunity to receive the individualized support they need to succeed.

What are the benefits of working with a tuition agency?

Working with tuition agency can provide many benefits for students and families. A tuition agency can help to match students with the best possible tutor for their needs, ensuring that they receive the highest quality education. They can also provide students with a wide range of resources and support, including study materials and test preparation.

Tuition agencies are also able to negotiate better rates for students and families, making it more affordable to receive private tuition. In addition, they can help to manage all aspects of the tutoring process, including scheduling, payment, and communication with the tutor.

What should I consider when choosing a tutor?

When choosing a tutor, it is important to consider several factors. These include:

The tutor’s qualifications and experience
The tutor’s availability and scheduling
The tutor’s teaching style and approach
The tutor’s rates and fees.

It is also a good idea to meet with the tutor in person or have a phone conversation before committing to working with them. This will give you a chance to get to know the tutor and to see if their teaching style and approach is a good fit for your needs.

How much do tuition rates vary?

Tuition rates can vary greatly, depending on the tutor’s qualifications and experience, the location, and the subject being taught. On average, tuition rates for private tutors can range anywhere from $30 to $100 per hour. However, working with tuition agency can help to negotiate lower rates and make private tuition more affordable.

Conclusion

Bullying is a serious issue that affects millions of students every day. It is important for parents, educators, and students to understand the problem and to take steps to prevent it from happening. Home tuition and working with a tuition agency are excellent ways to prevent bullying and to provide students with a safe and supportive learning environment. When choosing a tutor, it is important to consider several factors, including their qualifications and experience, availability, teaching style, and rates.

FAQs

How can home tuition help prevent bullying in schools?
Home tuition provides students with one-on-one individualized attention, which can boost their confidence and self-esteem, making them less vulnerable to bullying. It also provides a safe and supportive learning environment, where students do not have to worry about being bullied by their peers.
What are the benefits of working with a tuition agency?
Working with a tuition agency can provide many benefits, including access to the best possible tutor for your needs, a wide range of resources and support, better rates and fees, and management of all aspects of the tutoring process.
What should I consider when choosing a tutor?
When choosing a tutor, consider factors such as their qualifications and experience, availability, teaching style, and rates. It is also a good idea to meet with the tutor in person or have a phone conversation to get to know them and ensure a good fit.
How much do tuition rates vary?
Tuition rates can vary greatly, ranging from $30 to $100 per hour, depending on the tutor’s qualifications, location, and subject being taught. However, working with a tuition agency can help to negotiate lower rates and make private tuition more affordable.

Don’t let your child fall behind, find a qualified tutor near you today and give them the support they need to succeed. Start with a free tutor search now!

Miriam

Miriam is part of the team that operates CocoTutors: #1 Home Tuition Agency in Singapore. We connect Parents and students to Tutors, via our tuition-matching system. You can try out our services at (www.cocotutors.com/) or by calling +65 9177 9055 directly.