12 hours ago
Forum: Building a safe and supportive learning environment for our students
We thank and agree with Ms Sujatha Nair's Forum letter 'Policy alone not sufficient to tackle school bullying' (June 12). Fostering safe and supportive learning environments for all students, where ground practice matches policy, remains a key priority in our schools. Our schools endeavour to implement a whole-of-school approach to create a caring and nurturing environment that supports all learners, including students with special educational needs (SEN). We are also committed to fostering an inclusive environment for students with SEN.
Preventive, educative and restorative measures are adopted to address bullying incidents. Through the Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum, students learn to be empathetic, sensitive, and respectful to one another. They learn to appreciate individuals who are different and not stereotype these individuals. This learning extends beyond the classroom through co-curricular activities, Values-in-Action programmes and community activities, where students, including those with SEN, can interact meaningfully.
School rules and disciplinary frameworks are regularly communicated to students, including guidance on how to report bullying and hurtful behaviour through safe channels, and when to alert teachers.
Teachers are trained to foster positive classroom culture, identify students in distress and proactively address hurtful behaviour. They are supported by experienced school staff and school counsellors to manage bullying incidents and facilitate relationship restoration.
All schools have a peer support structure in place, with peer support leaders who are trained and equipped with skills to provide social-emotional support to their peers, refer peers for help, or alert teachers where needed. SEN officers are also trained to implement interventions like the Circle of Friends to create opportunities for meaningful friendships for students with SEN and their peers to foster mutual understanding and support.
As highlighted in The Straits Times article 'Can you bully-proof your child?' (May 25), parents also play a crucial role in shaping their child's character through role-modelling positive behaviour and fostering respectful interactions. When a child faces challenging situations including bullying, parents' emotional support helps reinforce pro-social values and develop healthy coping skills. The Ministry of Education and our schools will continue to work with parents and the community to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
Albert Chia
Director, Psychological Services Branch,
Special Educational Needs Division, Ministry of Education
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