New School Rules for Bullying in Singapore

May 5, 2026, 22:00
AsiaPolitics

Introduction

The Ministry of Education has new rules for students who bully others. Boys may now get caning as a punishment.

Main Body

Boys who do very bad things may get one to three hits with a cane. Girls cannot get caning because of the law. Instead, girls may stay home from school or get lower grades for behavior. Schools only use caning as a last choice. The principal must say yes first. Students also talk to counselors to help them feel better. Some doctors disagree. They say caning can make children feel sad or angry. They think talking is a better way to stop bullying. The government is giving more money to schools. Schools will hire more workers to help students and talk to parents.

Conclusion

Singapore has strict rules to stop bullying. They use punishment for boys and support for all students.

Learning

πŸ’‘ The "May" Secret

In this story, we see the word may used many times. It is not about asking for permission; it is about possibility (things that might happen).

  • Boys may get caning β†’ It is possible they will get it.
  • Girls may stay home β†’ It is possible they will stay home.

How to use it for A2: Use may when you are not 100% sure about the future.

πŸ› οΈ Word Pairs (Opposites)

Look at how the text balances different ideas:

Boys β†’\rightarrow Girls Punishment β†’\rightarrow Support Sad β†’\rightarrow Better

πŸ“Œ Action Words (Present Tense)

Notice how the text describes a current situation. It uses simple present verbs:

  1. Use: Schools use caning.
  2. Say: Doctors say it is bad.
  3. Think: They think talking is better.

Vocabulary Learning

bullying (n.)
The act of harming or harassing someone.
Example:Bullying at school can hurt others.
caning (n.)
A punishment involving striking with a cane.
Example:The school uses caning as a last choice.
principal (n.)
The head teacher of a school.
Example:The principal must say yes first.
counselors (n.)
People who give advice and support to students.
Example:Students talk to counselors to feel better.
government (n.)
The group that runs the country.
Example:The government gives more money to schools.
workers (n.)
People who work in a job.
Example:Schools hire more workers to help students.
parents (n.)
The mother and father of a child.
Example:The school talks to parents about bullying.
punishment (n.)
A penalty for breaking rules.
Example:Punishment is given to boys who bully.
support (v.)
To give help or encouragement.
Example:The school provides support for all students.
strict (adj.)
Very firm or severe.
Example:Singapore has strict rules to stop bullying.
rules (n.)
Guidelines or instructions.
Example:The Ministry sets new rules for bullying.
students (n.)
People who study at school.
Example:Students must follow the rules.
school (n.)
A place where children learn.
Example:Students go to school every day.
behavior (n.)
The way someone acts.
Example:Lower grades are given for bad behavior.
choice (n.)
An option or selection.
Example:Caning is only used as a last choice.