26-9-2024 (SINGAPORE) 5 teenagers have been apprehended by Singapore authorities following the circulation of a disturbing video depicting the assault of a Qihua Primary School pupil. The incident, which has sent ripples through the city-state’s education system, came to light earlier this week when footage of the attack emerged on social media platforms.
The Singapore Police Force issued a statement on Wednesday, confirming that they had successfully identified the youths involved in the incident. “Five individuals have been arrested on suspicion of rioting,” a police spokesperson announced. “We take a grave view of such violent acts and flagrant disregard for the law. Rest assured, we will take decisive action against the offenders in accordance with legal provisions.”
The harrowing four-minute video, which spread rapidly across WhatsApp and Telegram, shows a teenager clad in a black T-shirt and jeans viciously attacking a smaller boy wearing the distinctive uniform of Qihua Primary School, located in Woodlands. The footage reveals the aggressor forcing the victim into a stairwell corner before subjecting him to a series of punches, kicks, and throws.
In a particularly distressing segment, the assailant is seen ordering the young boy to place his hands behind his back before delivering a brutal punch to the stomach. Throughout the ordeal, the victim can be heard repeatedly pleading, “Sorry, sorry, I won’t do it again,” while enduring taunts from the attacker and another individual, presumably the one recording the incident.
When approached for comment, Qihua Primary School confirmed their awareness of the situation, stating that the matter is now under police investigation. A school representative emphasised, “The safety and well-being of our students are paramount. We have provided counselling to the affected students and are working closely with their parents to ensure the welfare of all involved.”
The school also revealed that they have taken steps to reinforce anti-bullying measures among their student body. “We have reminded our students to look out for one another and to report any incidents of bullying to their teachers promptly,” the spokesperson added.
This alarming incident marks the second such video to surface within a week, following a TikTok post showing a pupil from Bukit View Secondary School being harassed and physically assaulted by a group of at least five teenagers. The police have confirmed that this earlier incident is also under investigation.
In response to enquiries about the Bukit View Secondary School case, Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on bullying. The ministry disclosed that since 2013, reported incidents have remained relatively stable, with approximately two incidents per 1,000 primary students and five per 1,000 secondary students annually.
An MOE spokesperson elaborated on the protocol for handling such cases: “When allegations of bullying arise, schools conduct thorough investigations to understand the root causes of the behaviour. Appropriate disciplinary action is taken to ensure students comprehend the consequences of their hurtful actions and work towards restoring relationships with those affected.”
The ministry also highlighted the importance of parental involvement in addressing these issues. “Schools engage and collaborate with parents to provide comprehensive support for students both within and outside the school environment. This includes sharing social and emotional skills taught in school, expected behavioural standards among students, and potential repercussions of unacceptable conduct,” the spokesperson explained.
