A student from Qihua Primary School was allegedly assaulted by a youth who appeared to be a teenager in a bullying incident. In a four-minute video that has since been circulated online, a child in school uniform is seen being kicked, punched, and hurled to the ground at a stairwell by the teenager. The exact time and location of the incident remain unclear. Throughout the video, the boy, dressed in his school’s PE uniform, can be heard apologising in Malay, saying, “Sorry, I won’t do it again,” while being heckled by both the teenager and the person behind the camera.
Background
The video begins with the teenager punching the boy in the stomach twice before dragging him across the floor. The cameraman, whose face is not visible, encourages the assault by saying, “More, more, more! Kick him.” The teenager complies, continuing to kick the boy as he recoils and tries to protect his abdomen and face. At one point, the teenager pins the boy to the wall and questions him about cursing the cameraman’s mother, asking, “You don’t have a mother?” The boy repeatedly apologises and expresses pain whenever a blow lands.
School’s response
In response to queries, Qihua Primary School confirmed awareness of the incident and stated that it is under police investigation. “The safety and well-being of our students is our priority. We have provided counselling to the affected students and are working closely with their parents to ensure the well-being of all involved,” the school said. They also reminded students to look out for one another and report any bullying incidents to their teachers. The Singapore Police Force has confirmed that a report was lodged and investigations are ongoing.
Police investigation
The Singapore Police Force is actively investigating the incident. A police spokesperson confirmed that a report was filed and that they are looking into the matter. The video, which has garnered significant attention online, has raised concerns about student safety and the prevalence of bullying in schools. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in the investigation.
Community reaction
The incident has sparked outrage among parents and the broader community, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent bullying in schools. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments condemning the actions of the teenager and the cameraman. Some parents have expressed concerns about the safety of their children, urging schools to implement more robust anti-bullying policies and ensure a safe environment for all students.
Future implications
This incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive anti-bullying programmes in schools. Educational institutions are being called upon to take proactive steps to address bullying and ensure the safety and well-being of their students. The outcome of the police investigation will likely influence future policies and measures aimed at preventing such incidents. Schools may also consider increasing awareness and education about the impact of bullying, encouraging students to speak up and support one another in creating a safer school environment.
