The Big Story: Caning, suspensions... Singapore schools get tougher on bullying, but will it make a difference?

Singapore’s schools are set for a major shake-up in how they deal with bullying. By 2027, all schools will adopt standardized disciplinary measures — including detention, suspension, and in some cases caning — alongside a new online reporting system for students to flag incidents directly. The Ministry of Education says the changes are meant to create greater consistency, improve transparency, and strengthen trust between schools, students, and parents. But the new framework has also sparked debate: while some welcome clearer rules and stronger deterrence, others question whether punishment alone can address the root causes of bullying. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Jean Liu, Associate Professor of Psychology at the Singapore Institute of Technology, to find out what these changes mean, and whether schools are moving toward meaningful long-term change or simply tougher penalties. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.