Boys aged nine and up face caning for bullying as a "last resort" in Singapore schools. It is a misguided, barbaric approach.
FO Take · Score 15
Caning bullies is an archaic, short-sighted policy. It normalises violence, breeds resentment, and utterly fails to address the root causes of bullying behaviour. Education should foster empathy and critical thinking, not institutionalise corporal punishment. This is a profound failure of imagination and leadership. Do we truly believe repression cultivates character?
The strongest counter
Some argue caning provides a strong deterrent, instilling discipline and immediately curbing disruptive behaviour. For certain cultures, it aligns with traditional values of strict parental and institutional authority, ensuring swift justice.
