Understanding Bullying In Singapore: What Types Are There & What Can You Do?

WHAT EXACTLY IS BULLYING?

Bullying isn’t just about the classic schoolyard punch or name-calling. In today’s world, bullying can take many forms—and sometimes, it’s so subtle that even the child being bullied might not realise it at first.

At its core, bullying is repeated aggressive behaviour that’s meant to intimidate or harm someone who is perceived as vulnerable. In Singapore, this can happen in various settings—schools, tuition centres, CCAs, and increasingly, online spaces like WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok.

TYPES OF BULLYING IN SINGAPORE

Before we understand how to combat bullying, it’s important to also know what kinds of bullying are out there. In a complex country like Singapore, the nuances are aplenty, and there are more sensitivities to take note of.

• Physical Bullying

This is the most "obvious" kind—hitting, kicking, shoving, or damaging someone's belongings. It’s more common among younger children, especially boys who play rough, and tends to happen when adult supervision is lacking, such as during recess, PE lessons, or after school.

• Verbal Bullying

Name-calling, teasing, taunting, and making hurtful remarks fall under this category. In Singapore’s multicultural context, verbal bullying can sometimes involve racial slurs, language shaming, or insensitive comments about someone’s family background or religion.

• Social Bullying

This form of bullying can be trickier to spot. It includes exclusion from groups, spreading rumours, or manipulating friendships to isolate someone. Think of movies like Mean Girls, which explored such themes accurately. Among upper primary and secondary school girls, this is sadly quite common, which can worsen the older they are. It's a silent, psychological kind of bullying that can hurt just as much—if not more—than physical bullying.

• Cyberbullying

Think your child is always having fun on social media or their chat apps? Think again. The digital world brings new risks. Kids today are always online, and bullying can follow them home. This could translate from mean comments on Instagram, being kicked out of group chats, or having embarrassing photos or videos shared without consent. In a 2020 survey by TOUCH Cyber Wellness, about 3 in 5 youths in Singapore said they had experienced cyberbullying before – an alarming number that we should be concerned about.

• Prejudicial Bullying

This includes bullying based on race, religion, gender identity, disability, or sexual orientation. While Singapore is known for its harmony and inclusivity, cases of LGBTQ+ bullying or xenophobic remarks among school kids are still reported, especially in international schools or in online spaces.

WHAT’S REALLY HAPPENING WITH BULLYING AMONG KIDS AND YOUTHS?

While Singapore schools tend to have zero-tolerance policies on bullying, that doesn’t mean bullying doesn’t exist at all. According to a recent news article from Channel NewsAsia, 1 in 4 upper primary students have been bullied. That’s multiple cases within every classroom.

Bullying tends to peak between the tween ages of 10 to 14. For local school students, streaming, academic pressure, and cliques can fuel tension and competitiveness, which may lead to bullying cases. Meanwhile, expat kids may face social isolation or cultural misunderstandings that make them easy targets, especially in the initial months of settling in.

Some kids don’t speak up because they’re afraid of being labelled as “lame”, or fear being bullied even more. Others might think bullying is normal, or just part of growing up.This poses a big problem for not just kids, but for parents as well.

WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF BULLYING?

A lot of adults dismiss bullying as something that “toughens you up” or “builds character.” But the truth? Bullying can have serious long-term effects on a child’s emotional and mental health.

Here’s what kids who are bullied might experience:

• Anxiety and depression: Victims often feel helpless, sad, or even hopeless.
• Low self-esteem: Constant bullying can chip away at a child’s confidence.
• Academic struggles: A bullied child may dread going to school, skip classes, or zone out completely. This may lead to academic decline.
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts: In extreme cases, bullying has led to tragic consequences, including suicide attempts

In fact, bullying can also have long-term effects on the bullies, where those who take it too far end up getting into trouble with the law later in life, and may struggle with their personal relationship.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CHILD IS BEING BULLIED?

Sometimes, kids don’t tell us what’s going on—but their behaviour might give clues. Keep an eye out for:

• Sudden reluctance to go to school
• Unexplained bruises or missing items
• Mood swings or emotional outbursts
• Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
• Changes in eating habits
• Withdrawing from friends or family
• Drop in academic performance

If you notice a few of these signs cropping up, it’s time to check in with your child.

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO TO HELP CHILDREN COPE WITH BULLYING

Here’s the good news: as a parent, you can play a big role in helping your child cope with or even prevent bullying. Here are some practical steps you can take:

Start Open Conversations From Young

Don’t wait till something goes wrong. Chat with your child regularly about their day—ask about their friends, their class dynamics, or who they sat with during recess. Keep the vibe casual, not like an interrogation.

Make it clear that they can come to you about anything, and that you’ll listen without judgment.

Teach Them About Boundaries

Kids need to know that it's okay to say "no" and walk away from uncomfortable situations. Teach them how to stand up for themselves calmly but firmly. Sometimes, having just one good comeback or a confident exit plan can make all the difference.

Monitor Their Online Activity

For cyberbullying, consider setting up parental controls, using time limits for apps, or having agreed "no phone zones" at home. Talk about what’s appropriate to post or share. You can also let your child know they should always tell you if they receive anything threatening or uncomfortable online.

Understand School’s Involvement   

In Singapore, schools take bullying seriously. MOE guidelines require schools to have anti-bullying frameworks. If your child is being bullied, approach their teacher or school counsellor early. Document incidents if needed and follow up on the school’s action plan.

For international school parents, check your school’s safeguarding policy and escalate to the principal or school board if necessary.

Consider Professional Help

If your child is deeply affected, a child psychologist or counsellor can help them rebuild confidence and develop coping strategies. In Singapore, services like REACH, Mindline.sg and kidstherapy.com that offer support for families.

Be A Role Model For Them

Children pick up on how adults handle conflict. Do you talk respectfully about others? Do you resolve disagreements calmly? Your child learns by watching you. A home environment that values empathy, kindness, and inclusion makes a huge difference.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD IS A BULLY

This can be a hard pill to swallow. No parent wants to believe their child is capable of bullying others, but it happens, even in loving families. If you’ve been informed that your child has bullied someone:

• Don’t go into denial or defensiveness. Listen to their reasons for acting out.
• Try to understand what led to the behaviour—was it peer pressure, insecurity, or unresolved anger?
• Talk to your child about empathy and accountability.
• Work with the school to address the issue.
• Consider involving a school counsellor or therapist to explore deeper behavioural patterns.

Remember, the goal is not to shame them, but to guide your child towards better choices.