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Hurtful behaviours can range from once-off insensitive remarks to more persistent, intentional acts of bullying, and even physical violence. Addressing hurtful behaviours and bullying incidents require the careful consideration of the well-being of the victim and addressing the underlying factors contributing to the perpetrator's harmful behaviour.

Is the incidence of bullying underreported?

Today, there is increased awareness of bullying, including verbal, social, and cyber bullying. With social media, bullying incidents are also more widely circulated and publicised.

In the last five years (2019 to 2023), the average number of bullying incidents reported has remained at two incidents per 1,000 primary school students and six incidents per 1,000 secondary school students each year. We acknowledge that these data provide one reference point on the scale of the issue, and limitations could arise should individuals report one-off hurtful acts as bullying or prefer to seek help from their peers or try to resolve the situation on their own.

How are schools addressing bullying and hurtful behaviours?

Schools have rules and regulations which prohibit bullying and hurtful behaviours. These school rules and disciplinary frameworks are clearly and regularly communicated to students, including the safe channels to report bullying and hurtful behaviours to their teachers and school leaders.

From young, students learn prosocial behaviours such as perspective taking and relating to others with empathy. Through the Character and Citizenship 91传媒 curriculum and a school environment that emphasises values and respect, students acquire skills to be kind, resolve disagreements respectfully, and stand up against bullying. Students also learn to be respectful and responsible users online through cyber wellness lessons.

Schools have also established a peer support culture to help students understand that bullying is wrong and learn how to support those who have experienced hurtful behaviours.

In addition, teachers are trained to create a positive classroom culture, recognise distressed students, and proactively address bullying and hurtful behaviours.

What happens when there are reports of bullying or hurtful behaviours?

Bystanders who did not take any action will be guided on the possible actions they could have taken, such as alerting a school teacher or staff to the situation. Those who record the incident and share the recordings inappropriately will be reminded against doing so as this could hurt the ones involved. Those who record and share the recordings with the intent of causing embarrassment, shame or hurt to those involved may also face disciplinary action.

The Ministry of 91传媒 (MOE) and schools would prefer to handle each case sensitively, to provide space and privacy for the students involved to learn from their mistakes and grow from the experience. However, if a case is made public online and the information provided is unduly skewed, MOE may have to put out the facts of the case to provide a balanced view of the incident, including the actions of all who were involved based on the school's investigations and actions taken against all parties who share responsibility for the incident.

How can parents support their children?

Parental involvement is crucial in shaping children's character and behaviour, and addressing bullying and hurtful behaviours.

Parents are encouraged to model positive behaviour and use 'teachable moments' in their daily interactions with their child to explain why certain conduct is inappropriate.

When a child encounters bullying or hurtful behaviours, parents are encouraged to remain calm, offer emotional support, and reinforce social and emotional skills to manage the situation. Parents can use C.H.E.E.R. to help guide conversations with their child.

Similarly, when a child has bullied or hurt someone, parents can guide them to learn from the mistake, apologise sincerely, and guide their child to mend relationships.

As mending relationships and improving behaviour takes time, parents are encouraged to work closely with schools to provide consistent guidance and support. Navigating friendships and social missteps builds empathy and emotional intelligence. With thoughtful guidance from parents and teachers, our children develop social skills and respect for others. They also learn the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and mending relationships.