Story perspectives

Singapore Reinstates Male Student Caning, UNICEF Opposes

5/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Singapore will reintroduce school caning for male students who bully, permitting up to three strokes for boys nine and older.
The policy mandates principal approval, authorises teachers to deliver the strokes, and provides post-punishment counselling and wellbeing monitoring.
UNICEF and child-rights groups condemned the measure, arguing that corporal punishment harms health and may increase behavioural problems, while female students will instead receive detention or suspension.

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Story summary

Singapore will reintroduce school caning for male students who bully, permitting up to three strokes for boys nine and older.
The policy mandates principal approval, authorises teachers to deliver the strokes, and provides post-punishment counselling and wellbeing monitoring.
UNICEF and child-rights groups condemned the measure, arguing that corporal punishment harms health and may increase behavioural problems, while female students will instead receive detention or suspension.