Bullying is a serious issue that can take many forms—physical, verbal, or online—and has lasting impacts on those involved.
Image: Across Boundaries
Recently in Singapore, several school bullying incidents have surfaced through viral videos, drawing attention to this ongoing problem. Whether you're a victim or bystander, it’s important to understand how to respond in such situations.
Recent Bullying Cases in Singapore
Image: Pexels/Pixabay
Recently, videos of students being bullied in schools have circulated widely on social media platforms. These incidents have ranged from physical altercations to verbal abuse, shocking many as the footage shows how bullying can go undetected or unreported.
Did you know that 1 in 4 secondary school students have experienced bullying?
03 Aug 2024: Teens involved in ITE bullying videos arrested; police investigations ongoing
16 Sep 2024: Police report lodged over bullying incident involving Bukit View Secondary School students
23 Sep 2024: Police investigating after video showing Qihua Primary School student being beaten up emerges
Schools and authorities have responded by reinforcing anti-bullying measures, but it is clear that awareness and action are needed from all parties involved—students, teachers, and parents.
What to Do as a Victim
Image: Unsplash
Stay Calm: Try to remain composed, as reacting emotionally can often escalate the situation.
Speak Up: If it feels safe, assertively ask the bully to stop. A calm and firm response can sometimes defuse the tension.
Seek Help: Always inform a teacher, counselor, or trusted adult. Schools have protocols to protect students from bullying.
Document Evidence: If the bullying is online or involves messages, save any relevant evidence to report later.
Reach Out for Support: Talk to trusted friends or family members for emotional support, and don’t face the issue alone.
What to Do as a Bystander
Image: Shutterstock
Intervene if Safe: If you witness bullying, step in calmly and ask the bully to stop, as long as it is safe to do so.
Support the Victim: After the incident, offer emotional support and encourage the victim to speak to someone they trust.
Report to Authorities: Always report bullying to a teacher or school administrator. Reporting is a key step in stopping the behavior before it escalates further.
Promote a Positive Environment: Encourage inclusivity and kindness in your school community to reduce bullying.
Does Safety in Numbers Help?
Image: pngtree
Yes, safety in numbers can be a powerful deterrent against bullying. Here’s how:
Deterring Bullies: Bullies often target individuals they can isolate. Being part of a group can make you less vulnerable, as bullies are less likely to act when the victim is surrounded by others.
Bystander Intervention: When multiple bystanders stand up to a bully or support the victim, the bully loses power. Bullies are more likely to back down when they realize they’re outnumbered.
Emotional Support: Being part of a group provides emotional reinforcement for the victim, helping them feel less isolated and more confident in seeking help.
Collective Action: A group of students reporting an incident together may encourage quicker intervention from school authorities, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Image: Freepik
These recent cases in Singapore have shown the importance of both individual and collective actions in addressing bullying. Everyone has a role to play against bullying—victims, bystanders, and the wider community—in creating a safer, more supportive environment for all.
