Singapore has implemented new disciplinary rules that allow the caning of students found guilty of bullying, as a last resort.

Singapore has announced new disciplinary guidelines that allow corporal punishment of male students found guilty of bullying, with a limit of one to three strokes. The Ministry of Education stated that this measure will be applied only as a last resort, after other measures have been deemed insufficient. Corporal punishment will be approved by the principal and administered by authorized teachers, taking into account the maturity of the student and the educational impact of the punishment. The rule applies only to students in higher grades (9-12 years) and does not apply to girls, who will receive punishments such as detention or suspension. Human rights organizations criticize the use of corporal punishment, arguing that it is not an effective deterrent. Although corporal punishment has been abolished in many countries, authorities in Singapore believe it remains an effective tool against serious behavior. A report from the World Health Organization highlights the risks associated with corporal punishment, and Amnesty International has called for its total abolition.