SCHOOLS AS A SAFE SPACE
In addition to improving school policies, greater emphasis will be placed on values education, using contemporary examples during Character and Citizenship Education lessons, Mr Lee said.
He added that the ministry will provide more support for schools and educators through professional development and the use of technology to assist educators.
Schools will also strengthen partnerships with parents to promote positive role-modelling at home. The ministry will share resources with parents on how they can have conversations with their children to reinforce positive behaviours, he said.
Parents are the “most crucial partners” in this work, he said, adding that more can be achieved if parents and teachers work closely together.
Mr Lee said that the ministry will also do more to guide and support children.
“Our schools must continue to be a safe space for children to learn the right values, discover who they are, build friendships, and fulfil their potential,” he said.
He added that they put systems in place to “try to catch problems early”.
“But children and youth are young, they are still growing, developing a sense of what is right or wrong, and learning how to interact and work with others,” he said.
Addressing bullying behaviour is not a simple issue, and the approach is not always clear-cut, especially when children’s accounts differ or different stakeholders have different perspectives on the appropriate response.
“Ultimately, we all want the same outcome for our children. We want schools that are safe spaces where our students develop sound values, learn and forge friendships, and for our educators to be able to steward and shape young lives,” he said.
The consultations and discussions will continue until the end of the year, and the ministry will share its key recommendations and follow-up actions in the first half of 2026.
Source: CNA
