Standardizing Corporal Punishment in Singapore's School Discipline System

May 5, 2026, 22:00
AsiaPolitics

Introduction

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has introduced a new framework to handle student misconduct. This system specifically targets bullying by standardizing the use of caning for male students.

Main Body

The new system uses a tiered approach where serious offenses can lead to one to three strokes of the cane for male students. However, because the Criminal Procedure Code prevents corporal punishment for females, female students will face other penalties, such as suspension, detention, or lower conduct grades. Minister for Education Desmond Lee emphasized that clear boundaries and serious consequences help young people make better behavioral choices. To ensure safety, caning is only used as a last resort. The process requires approval from the school principal and must be carried out by authorized staff. Minister Lee asserted that a regulated school environment is different from home settings, which reduces the risks of frequent punishment. Furthermore, caning must be combined with other support services, such as counseling and wellbeing monitoring, to ensure a complete approach to student discipline. On the other hand, medical professionals suggest that corporal punishment may only lead to short-term obedience. They have highlighted that it can be linked to increased anxiety and aggression. There is also a concern that the shame caused by public punishment, especially when shared online, could lead to long-term psychological damage. Consequently, experts recommend prioritizing restorative practices, which use dialogue to address the root causes of aggression, such as problems at home.

Conclusion

Singapore has created a formal disciplinary system for bullying that balances the use of corporal punishment for males with psychological support and restorative measures.

Learning

⚑ The 'Bridge' to B2: Moving from Simple to Complex Connections

At the A2 level, you usually connect ideas with simple words like and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need Logical Connectors. These words act like signposts, telling the reader exactly how two ideas relate.

πŸ› οΈ The Upgrade Path

Look at how the article transforms simple ideas into professional, B2-level arguments:

  • Instead of "But..." β†’\rightarrow Use "On the other hand..."

    • A2 style: Caning works. But doctors say it causes anxiety.
    • B2 style: Some believe caning is effective. On the other hand, medical professionals suggest it may lead to anxiety.
    • Why? It signals a formal contrast between two opposing viewpoints.

  • Instead of "So..." β†’\rightarrow Use "Consequently..."

    • A2 style: Public punishment is shameful, so experts want dialogue.
    • B2 style: Public punishment can cause long-term damage. Consequently, experts recommend restorative practices.
    • Why? It shows a direct cause-and-effect relationship in a more academic way.

  • Adding Extra Info β†’\rightarrow Use "Furthermore..."

    • A2 style: It's regulated. Also, it uses counseling.
    • B2 style: The environment is regulated. Furthermore, caning must be combined with counseling.
    • Why? It tells the reader you are adding a second, supporting point to your argument.

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip for Fluency

B2 speakers don't just give facts; they link facts. Try replacing one "but" and one "so" in your next writing piece with "On the other hand" or "Consequently."

Vocabulary Learning

framework
A basic structure or system that supports something.
Example:The new framework for handling misconduct was introduced by the Ministry.
misconduct
Improper or illegal behaviour, especially by a student.
Example:The school has strict rules against misconduct.
bullying
Repeated aggressive behaviour towards someone.
Example:Bullying is a serious problem in many schools.
standardizing
Making something uniform or consistent across a system.
Example:The policy aims to standardize the use of caning.
tiered
Arranged in levels or stages.
Example:The punishment system is tiered, with different levels of severity.
suspension
Temporary removal from school as a penalty.
Example:A student may face suspension for repeated offenses.
detention
Punishment of staying in school after hours.
Example:Detention is used as a disciplinary measure.
behavioural
Relating to behaviour or conduct.
Example:The teacher focuses on improving students' behavioural choices.
resort
A final option or method used when other options fail.
Example:Caning is used only as a last resort.
approval
Permission or agreement to proceed.
Example:The process requires approval from the school principal.
authorized
Having official permission to act.
Example:Only authorized staff can carry out the punishment.
regulated
Controlled by rules or laws.
Example:The school environment is regulated to ensure safety.
wellbeing
State of being healthy and comfortable.
Example:Wellbeing monitoring helps track students' health.
counseling
Professional advice or guidance.
Example:Counseling is offered to students after incidents.
psychological
Relating to the mind or mental processes.
Example:Psychological support is part of the program.
aggression
Hostile or violent behaviour.
Example:Aggression can be reduced through restorative practices.
restorative
Aimed at restoring or repairing relationships.
Example:Restorative practices focus on repairing relationships.
dialogue
Conversation between two parties to discuss an issue.
Example:Dialogue helps address the root causes of aggression.