Analysis: Challenges in fostering empathy amidst acts of bullying

Internet quickly condemns instances of bullying, ascertained by Emilia Idris, an educator and mother of three.

, and Administrator

2025 September 11 . 2:58 PM

2 min read

Understanding: Struggling with Empathy in Bullying Situations Explained

Analysis: Challenges in fostering empathy amidst acts of bullying

In two separate incidents that have recently taken place in Singapore, students have resorted to physical violence and disturbing threats. The incidents, which occurred at Montfort Secondary School and Admiralty Secondary School, have raised concerns about the escalating nature of bullying among young students.

At Montfort Secondary School, in February, a student was filmed getting tripped and kicked by two of his schoolmates. The video, which circulated online, showed the 9-year-old boy being brutally attacked in the school premises. The nature of the threat involved dissection and murder, as the student was heard threatening to kill the classmate's mother and her husband. However, it's important to note that the threat was not made in person, but delivered online with the singsong lilt of a 9-year-old boy.

In a different incident, which took place at Admiralty Secondary School in January, a Primary 3 student sent a death threat to his classmate's mother online. The student allegedly assaulted his peer, resulting in a head wound. Despite the threat, the nature of the incident did not involve threats of dissection or murder.

In both cases, the police were involved in investigating the incidents, and the details of the boys involved remain undisclosed. It's crucial to emphasise that neither of the incidents occurred online, as some may assume due to the online threat made in the Montfort Secondary School incident.

These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the need for continued efforts to combat bullying in schools. It's essential that students learn to respect each other and understand the consequences of their actions. Schools and parents have a crucial role to play in fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students.

As the investigations into these incidents continue, we hope that these unfortunate events will lead to increased awareness and action against bullying in our schools. It's our collective responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students.