A Parent’s Worst Fear

Every parent dreams of sending their child to the very best schools, knowing they will be safe, happy, and surrounded by friends. But for too many families, there is a looming uncertainty that can easily turn it into their worst nightmare: bullying. Be it hurtful words whispered in hallways, being forced to eat lunch alone, online harassment, or even physical assault, school bullying is a growing concern amongst parents worldwide. Whilst reported cases in Singapore are far and few in between, the reality is that about 1 out of 3 students admit to being bullied at some point during their education, a significant proportion of which go unreported to teachers or authorities (CNA, 2024).

With a lack of formal escalation, the consequences are shouldered by the victims instead of the perpetrators. The impact of bullying extends far beyond the classroom. Beyond potential physical injury, bullying through verbal abuse and exclusion can lead to serious emotional and mental harm, especially so for children. Children who experience it often struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and declining academic performance. The emotional scars can linger long after the bullying stops, which is why prevention and support are crucial.

Why Bullying Prevention Matters

Bullying should not be a “normal” part of growing up: it’s a serious issue that can affect a child’s mental health, sense of safety, and overall development. This is why effective prevention matters so deeply.

Children may not always understand the consequences of their actions, which is why schools must take responsibility for guiding them towards empathy, respect, and kindness. Through clear policies, structured support, and consistent awareness campaigns, bullying prevention can literally save lives, while also shaping young people into more compassionate individuals.

Bullying Isn’t A Thing Of The Past

In recent years, bullying has made headlines in Singapore, underscoring just how urgent this issue is. In one case, a group of boys was filmed repeatedly hitting a fellow primary school pupil, sparking widespread concern and a police investigation (Straits Times, 2024). In another, a 12-year-old boy allegedly struck his classmate on the head with a bottle, also drawing police involvement (Straits Times, 2024). These incidents highlight that bullying is not always “harmless mischief,” but behaviour that can quickly escalate into violence with serious consequences. They also reveal how children may not fully grasp the harm they cause, reinforcing the need for schools to step in with strong preventive frameworks, compassionate guidance, and consistent accountability.

Creating A Safe Space For Learning

At IIS, we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and included in their school environment. Our approach to education is not only academic but also deeply rooted in emotional wellbeing and psychological safety. We actively instill the values of inclusivity, respect, and understanding to create a supportive atmosphere where every student can thrive.

To prevent bullying, IIS implements proactive measures such as open communication channels, teacher training, and immediate intervention strategies. Whilst bullying is often dismissed with a hand wave and a half-hearted apology under most institutions, IIS treats matters of school violence with the utmost scrutiny. At IIS, any reports of bullying are immediately addressed and investigated, with both parties receiving support therapeutically, restoratively, as well as through clear consequences. For children who display more challenging behaviours, more personalised support is provided to address the root causes — ensuring that discipline is paired with empathy.

This commitment ensures that students not only feel secure, but also develop the emotional intelligence needed to foster positive peer relationships.

Parents Make All The Difference

Bullying prevention begins at home. Parents play an essential role in teaching empathy, kindness, and respect. However, it’s equally important that these lessons are reinforced in school, where children spend much of their time.

That’s why choosing the right learning environment matters. At IIS, we partner with parents to ensure that the same positive behaviours are upheld at school and that bullying behaviors are addressed immediately. This collaboration between home and school is key to raising children who are resilient, kind, and respectful of others.

Paving The Brighter Way For Your Child’s Future

At IIS, our mission is clear: to nurture children in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where bullying has no place. With our empathy-led teaching approach, students are encouraged to grow at their own pace, free from fear or intimidation.

When children feel safe, they are more willing to speak up, more confident in their abilities, and better equipped to build meaningful relationships. By choosing IIS, you are not only giving your child an excellent education but also ensuring they are surrounded by values that will guide them well into the future.