Singapore Officially Approves Caning Punishment in Schools

Singapore has approved the implementation of caning in schools. Students involved in school bullying may face physical punishment as a “last resort” to eradicate bad behaviour, based on new approved education guidelines.

“Schools will only use caning as a disciplinary measure when all other options are inadequate, given the severity of the offence,” said Education Minister Desmond Lee on Tuesday, as reported by Channel News Asia (CNA) on Wednesday (6/5/2026).

“If used, this punishment is never administered in isolation but always as part of a series of restorative and disciplinary actions,” he stressed, noting other severe penalties such as suspension before resorting to caning.

Lee stated that this approach is based on research showing that children and adolescents make better choices when there are “clear boundaries enforced by firm and meaningful consequences”. He is confident this will “have a positive impact on reducing bullying and enable the school community to feel safe learning in an orderly environment”.

However, this punishment will only apply to male students. The rules have also been reviewed in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code, which prohibits caning for females.

“This does not mean that girls who bully are any less guilty,” Lee added.

“The aim is to help affected students regain their confidence and restore their sense of safety and well-being,” he further stated.

The same information appears on the Australia 9 News website. According to the rules, students may face between one and three strokes of the cane.

“Caning must be approved by the principal and only administered by authorised teachers,” the website states.

“Schools will consider factors such as the student’s maturity and whether caning will help the student learn from their mistake and understand the gravity of what they have done,” it explains.