'Prison in adult world': Row over Singapore allowing teachers to cane students from the age of 9

In an announcement that has sent the world reeling, Singapore's education minister Desmond Lee said that teachers are now allowed to use caning to discipline unruly students in certain cases. “Our schools use caning as a disciplinary measure if all the other measures are inadequate, given the gravity of the misconduct,” he said in parliament on Tuesday in response to new anti-bullying measures announced on April 15.

When questioned about the mental health impact of caning children as young as 9, he said the caning must first be approved by the principal and administered only by authorised teachers. “Schools will consider factors such as the maturity of the student and if caning will help the student learn from his mistake and understand the gravity of what he has done,” he told lawmakers with the new framework to be rolled out across Singaporean schools from 2027.

Moreover, he added that the approach is based on research which shows that children and youth learn to make better decisions when there are clear boundaries, enforced by firm and meaningful consequences.

However, as per the directions set out by the Ministry of Education website, only students can be punished with the cane. “Caning is a disciplinary option for boys only, and for serious offences as a last resort, when absolutely necessary,” it says.

Netizens debate over Singapore's new law

The news has sparked an online debate. While some agree the approach can be a last resort, others think it needs to be stopped before it even begins.

"There is a fine line between disciplining and abuse. This is fine. Unreasonable and irrational beating is a no," wrote one.

"It’s a norm when we are growing up in the 70s-90s. We are doing just fine. Actually, we grow up a stronger person then today generation" added another.

"Introducing whipping doesnt mean all kids will get whip but only the menace one, dont like then dont it. Is like having prison in the adult world," said one.

"I like the initiative but not the implementation. First of all it should be for both genders. Secondly, without some mechanism of oversight, it will occasionally cause injuries and death by abusive teachers. Corporal punishment has its place but you need some kind of control," pitched another.

"lowkey shocker. school policies should be about safety, not punishment. 9‑year‑olds? Come on, Singapore? Let’s focus on support, not whipping," added one.

Consequences that last a lifetime

Corporal punishments in schools have largely faded over the years in most parts of the world. However, as per the WHO, between a quarter and a half of children around the world experience corporal punishment in schools. “The consequences of child corporal punishment can last a lifetime and undermine physical and mental health, education, and social and occupational functioning,” WHO said in a report published in August 2025.

Singapore, a small yet highly developed and wealthy hub in Southeast Asia is known for its strict rules that have helped the country grow as a whole. However, whether caning only male students will be impactful in reducing bullying is yet to be seen.