One in Four Singapore Students Aged 9 to 12 Experience Bullying, Study Reveals
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Loading... - BINGWEN ZHANG
- 11 Nov 2024
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A recent study conducted by the National Institute of Education (NIE) in Singapore has uncovered alarming statistics regarding bullying among upper primary students, revealing that approximately one in four children aged 9 to 12 has faced bullying. This research, carried out in collaboration with the Singapore Children’s Society and the National University of Singapore, surveyed 581 children aged 9 to 13 and found that 23% reported being bullied in the past few months.
Key Findings of the Study:
i. Prevalence of Bullying: The study highlights that bullying is a significant issue among upper primary students, who typically range from Primary 4 to Primary 6. The findings indicate that a notable portion of this age group is affected by bullying behaviors.
ii. Help-Seeking Behavior: Contrary to expectations, most victims of bullying tend to seek help from friends or parents rather than teachers. This suggests a need for schools to foster an environment where students feel comfortable reporting bullying incidents to staff.
iii. Role of Family Support: The research emphasizes the importance of strong parental support in mitigating both victimization and bullying behaviors. Children who have supportive parents are less likely to be involved in bullying, either as victims or perpetrators.
iv. Ineffectiveness of Common Advice: Researchers noted that while parents often advise their children to ignore bullying or report it to teachers, these strategies may not always be effective. Assistant Professor Cheung Hoi Shan, the study's lead, stressed the need for better parental strategies, including open communication, to effectively support children facing bullying.
v. Changing Nature of Bullying: The report comes at a time of heightened concern about bullying, particularly with the rise of viral videos depicting youth violence. Experts point out that bullying has evolved beyond physical aggression to include emotional and online abuse, which can be more covert and often goes unreported.
Statistics from the Ministry of Education: The Ministry of Education (MOE) reports that the overall number of bullying incidents in schools has remained stable, with an average of two incidents per 1,000 primary students annually. However, the study calls for increased awareness and support for less visible forms of bullying.
The findings of this study underscore the urgent need for greater awareness and proactive measures to address bullying in Singaporean schools. By fostering open communication between parents and children and creating supportive school environments, stakeholders can work together to combat bullying and ensure the well-being of all students. The study serves as a crucial reminder of the complexities surrounding bullying and the importance of addressing both its visible and hidden forms.
