A recent bullying incident at Montfort Secondary School has drawn widespread attention, prompting an official police investigation. The incident, which was captured on video and circulated online, shows a student being tripped and kicked by his schoolmates. The school has since taken disciplinary action and assured the public of its commitment to student safety.
Montfort Secondary Responds to Viral Video
The video, which surfaced on February 22, quickly gained traction on social media. By the evening of February 23, one Facebook post had amassed over 1.2 million views and 9,000 shares. The footage depicts a group of boys in Montfort school uniforms trailing another student while repeatedly saying “cepat” (Malay for “quick”).
One student tripped the victim, causing him to fall, while another kicked him twice. Despite the repeated aggression, the victim did not retaliate. The video ends with someone requesting the footage to be sent via WhatsApp.
In response to media queries, Montfort Secondary School’s vice-principal, Mr. Wilson Tay, confirmed that the school had identified and disciplined the students involved. While the specific disciplinary measures were not disclosed, Mr. Tay emphasized that the affected students had been counseled and their parents engaged.
“We take the safety and well-being of all our students seriously and have taken appropriate disciplinary actions on the students involved,” Mr. Tay stated.
Police Investigating the Case
The Singapore Police Force has confirmed that a report was lodged and investigations are ongoing. This incident adds to growing concerns about bullying and student violence in schools across Singapore.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) has reiterated its firm stance against bullying. Education Minister Chan Chun Sing previously addressed similar incidents in Parliament, stating that “no one should be bullied, no one wants to be bullied, and no one should bully.”
MOE urges parents and the public to allow schools and authorities to handle such cases rather than resorting to speculation or intervention that may complicate matters.
Bullying in Singapore Schools: A Growing Concern?
This case is not an isolated incident. Recent reports highlight an increase in bullying cases, including:
- Admiralty Secondary School (January 2024): A student suffered a head wound requiring stitches after an altercation with a classmate.
- Bukit View Secondary School (October 2023): A student was taunted and assaulted at a public housing void deck.
- Qihua Primary School (2023): A viral video showed a student being physically assaulted by an older boy, leading to the arrest of five teenagers.
According to MOE data, an average of six bullying incidents per 1,000 students occur in secondary schools annually. Despite these statistics, MOE maintains that the overall rate of bullying cases has remained stable over the past five years.
What Schools and Parents Can Do
Schools play a critical role in preventing bullying by fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity. Montfort Secondary School has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance and pledged to strengthen its anti-bullying measures.
Parents can also contribute by:
- Encouraging open communication with their children about school experiences.
- Teaching empathy and conflict resolution skills.
- Reporting concerns to school authorities rather than addressing issues through social media.
Conclusion
The Montfort Secondary School bullying case highlights the importance of vigilance in combating student aggression. With police investigations underway and the school reinforcing its disciplinary measures, this incident serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts in ensuring a safe learning environment for all students.
For more updates on this case and other education-related news in Singapore, stay tuned.
