Singapore’s Caning Rule Sparks Debate: Why Is Hitting Children In Schools Still An Option? Where India Stands

Last Updated:May 07, 2026, 11:55 IST

Corporal punishment triggers harmful psychological physiological effects on children, per UNICEF. Children experience physical harm and pain, and feel threatened

In India, despite the ban on corporal punishment in schools, enforcement remains uneven. Reports of physical punishment continue to emerge from different parts of the country.

Singapore has introduced new school guidelines under which male students who bully others, including through cyberbullying, can face caning as a “last resort”. The measure, framed as a disciplinary tool, has reignited a global debate on whether corporal punishment has any place in modern education.

Under updated anti-bullying guidelines, the punishment is tightly regulated, with a maximum of three strokes administered under supervision and only after other disciplinary methods fail.

Female students will be exempt in line with Singapore’s Criminal Procedure Code, which states “women shall not be punished with caning”.

While corporal punishment is not new to Singapore’s legal and education systems, its continued use in schools, especially at a time when many countries are moving away from physical discipline, has drawn renewed international scrutiny.

Why Singapore’s System Is Rooted In Deterrence

Caning in Singapore was introduced when it was under British colonial rule. While the United Kingdom abolished corporal punishment, Singapore did not.

The country’s legal system includes corporal punishment not only in schools but also in the judicial system, reflecting a broader belief that strict penalties can prevent misconduct.

In 1993, when American foreigner Michael Fay was arrested for possession of stolen items and vandalizing several cars by spraying paint on them, he was sentenced to four months’ in jail and given six strokes of the cane, which was reduced to four canes after then President Bill Clinton intervened.

Even after Washington’s strong pressure, Singapore carried out caning on Fay, saying it was important to uphold its laws even for foreign nationals. This incident did strain the US-Singapore ties briefly.

In schools, caning is limited in scope. It applies only to boys and is typically reserved for serious or repeated offences. The process is formalised, with clear rules governing when and how it can be administered. Authorities argue that such measures are necessary to maintain discipline and address rising concerns around bullying.

“Our schools use caning as a disciplinary measure if all the other measures are inadequate, given the gravity of the misconduct,” Desmond Lee, Minister for Education of Singapore, said in parliament when asked questions about new anti-bullying measures, including about the mental health impact of caning children as young as nine years old.

The renewed emphasis on caning comes amid growing public anxiety about student behaviour, including cases of bullying that have gained attention in recent years. For some, the policy represents a firm stance on maintaining order in classrooms.

Does Corporal Punishment Work?

Supporters argue that it acts as a strong deterrent, sending a clear message that certain actions will not be tolerated. “I know many parents will disagree with me, but I believe a little strictness, even occasional corporal punishment within limits, can help discipline children. Let’s not forget we grew up with teachers and parents who were strict, and it taught us respect and responsibility. While I agree that children should not live in fear, today, parents too are under immense pressure, and many feel children are becoming increasingly difficult to manage without any consequences for bad behaviour. The problem is not discipline itself, but when it crosses into abuse,” said 35-year-old Amrita Singh, a homemaker, who lives with her husband and a five-year-old boy in Delhi.

However, research and global health bodies present a different picture. According to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, which oversees the Convention on the Rights of the Child, corporal or physical punishment is defined as “any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light.”

This involves hitting (smacking, slapping, spanking) children with a hand or implement (whip, stick, belt, shoe, wooden spoon or similar) but it can also involve, kicking, shaking or throwing children, scratching, pinching, biting, pulling hair or boxing ears, forcing children to stay in uncomfortable positions, burning, scalding or forced ingestion.

UNICEF estimates that globally 1.2 billion children aged 0-18 years are subjected to corporal punishment in the home each year. One in 2 children, that is, roughly 732 million, aged 6-17 years live in countries where corporal punishment at school is not fully prohibited. Studies have shown that lifetime prevalence of school corporal punishment was above 70% in Africa and Central America, past-year prevalence was above 60% in the WHO Regions of Eastern Mediterranean and South-East Asia, and past-week prevalence was above 40% in Africa and South-East Asia.

It also said corporal punishment triggers harmful psychological physiological effects on children. Not only do the children experience physical harm and pain, the feel threatened and tend to exhibit high hormonal reactivity to stress.

How Other Countries Look At Corporal Punishment

Globally, the trend has been moving away from corporal punishment in schools. More than 100 countries have banned physical discipline in educational settings, reflecting a growing consensus that such practices are incompatible with modern child rights standards.

France has fully banned corporal punishment, strengthening its legal prohibitions in recent years to include all forms of violence, including in education.

Corporal punishment was banned in state-run schools in 1986 and in all private schools across the UK by 2003.

The US has not fully banned corporal punishment. Some private and public schools across many states, particularly in the South and Midwest, still allow it, according to data from PMC – NIH and analysis in The Conversation.

India banned corporal punishment in schools and child care institutions such as the Juvenile Homes through the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE), Act, 2009, which prohibits physical punishment and mental harassment.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights provides guidelines for schools to develop mechanisms for addressing student grievances and ensuring a safe environment.

Despite these bans, the practice still continues in many areas due to deeply ingrained cultural beliefs.

Corporal Punishment From Human Rights And Legal Perspectives

From a human rights standpoint, corporal punishment is increasingly viewed as problematic. International organisations and child rights advocates argue that physical punishment violates a child’s dignity and can amount to degrading treatment.

There is also concern about the unequal application of such policies. In Singapore, caning is applied only to boys, raising questions about gender-specific disciplinary practices.

Critics argue that maintaining corporal punishment in schools sends conflicting signals, especially when governments simultaneously promote mental health awareness and child protection.

In India, despite the ban, enforcement remains uneven. Reports of physical punishment continue to emerge from different parts of the country, indicating a gap between policy and practice.

A Class 9 student in Andhra Pradesh was allegedly beaten severely by his teacher with a stick for completing his homework. His parents and other later staged a protest outside the school.

In Ranchi, Jharkhand, a Class 2 student was beaten up by his teacher for allegedly bringing a particular brand of instant noodles in his lunch box.

A teacher in Shimla had allegedly stripped a Class 5 student naked and beat him with a prickly stick as he was caught stealing. The boy was seen crying after a video of them was posted on social media.

Rising Concerns Around Bullying In Schools

The debate around corporal punishment is closely linked to growing concerns about student behaviour. Schools across the world, including in India, are dealing with issues such as bullying, cyberbullying and mental health challenges among students.

In India, over 37% of children have reported experiencing online harassment, with cyberbullying incidents frequently involving sexual harassment and threats of physical harm. Verbal bullying remains prevalent, and many victims face serious long-term consequences such as severe loneliness, anxiety, and school avoidance

In India, the pressure on schools has increased as awareness of mental health issues grows. Educators are expected to maintain discipline while also ensuring a safe and supportive environment for students.

This creates a complex challenge. Strict disciplinary measures may deter misconduct, but they can also harm students psychologically. On the other hand, purely counselling-based approaches may be seen as insufficient in addressing serious behavioural issues.

What Are The Alternatives To Corporal Punishment?

Many education systems are exploring alternatives to corporal punishment. These include restorative justice practices, peer mediation, counselling and behavioural therapy.

Such approaches aim to address the root causes of misconduct rather than relying on punishment alone. They focus on accountability, empathy and long-term behavioural change.

In India, there is a growing push towards these models, particularly in private and urban schools. However, scaling them across diverse education systems remains a challenge.

The debate over corporal punishment is ultimately about the kind of education system societies want to build. It is a question of values as much as effectiveness.

Singapore’s decision underscores the complexities of maintaining discipline in modern classrooms. While it reflects one approach, it also highlights the need for ongoing dialogue on how best to address student behaviour without compromising well-being.

Female students will be exempt in line with Singapore’s Criminal Procedure Code, which states “women shall not be punished with caning”.

While corporal punishment is not new to Singapore’s legal and education systems, its continued use in schools, especially at a time when many countries are moving away from physical discipline, has drawn renewed international scrutiny.

Why Singapore’s System Is Rooted In Deterrence

Caning in Singapore was introduced when it was under British colonial rule. While the United Kingdom abolished corporal punishment, Singapore did not.

The country’s legal system includes corporal punishment not only in schools but also in the judicial system, reflecting a broader belief that strict penalties can prevent misconduct.

In 1993, when American foreigner Michael Fay was arrested for possession of stolen items and vandalizing several cars by spraying paint on them, he was sentenced to four months’ in jail and given six strokes of the cane, which was reduced to four canes after then President Bill Clinton intervened.

Even after Washington’s strong pressure, Singapore carried out caning on Fay, saying it was important to uphold its laws even for foreign nationals. This incident did strain the US-Singapore ties briefly.

In schools, caning is limited in scope. It applies only to boys and is typically reserved for serious or repeated offences. The process is formalised, with clear rules governing when and how it can be administered. Authorities argue that such measures are necessary to maintain discipline and address rising concerns around bullying.

“Our schools use caning as a disciplinary measure if all the other measures are inadequate, given the gravity of the misconduct,” Desmond Lee, Minister for Education of Singapore, said in parliament when asked questions about new anti-bullying measures, including about the mental health impact of caning children as young as nine years old.

The renewed emphasis on caning comes amid growing public anxiety about student behaviour, including cases of bullying that have gained attention in recent years. For some, the policy represents a firm stance on maintaining order in classrooms.

Does Corporal Punishment Work?

Supporters argue that it acts as a strong deterrent, sending a clear message that certain actions will not be tolerated. “I know many parents will disagree with me, but I believe a little strictness, even occasional corporal punishment within limits, can help discipline children. Let’s not forget we grew up with teachers and parents who were strict, and it taught us respect and responsibility. While I agree that children should not live in fear, today, parents too are under immense pressure, and many feel children are becoming increasingly difficult to manage without any consequences for bad behaviour. The problem is not discipline itself, but when it crosses into abuse,” said 35-year-old Amrita Singh, a homemaker, who lives with her husband and a five-year-old boy in Delhi.

However, research and global health bodies present a different picture. According to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, which oversees the Convention on the Rights of the Child, corporal or physical punishment is defined as “any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light.”

This involves hitting (smacking, slapping, spanking) children with a hand or implement (whip, stick, belt, shoe, wooden spoon or similar) but it can also involve, kicking, shaking or throwing children, scratching, pinching, biting, pulling hair or boxing ears, forcing children to stay in uncomfortable positions, burning, scalding or forced ingestion.

UNICEF estimates that globally 1.2 billion children aged 0-18 years are subjected to corporal punishment in the home each year. One in 2 children, that is, roughly 732 million, aged 6-17 years live in countries where corporal punishment at school is not fully prohibited. Studies have shown that lifetime prevalence of school corporal punishment was above 70% in Africa and Central America, past-year prevalence was above 60% in the WHO Regions of Eastern Mediterranean and South-East Asia, and past-week prevalence was above 40% in Africa and South-East Asia.

It also said corporal punishment triggers harmful psychological physiological effects on children. Not only do the children experience physical harm and pain, the feel threatened and tend to exhibit high hormonal reactivity to stress.

How Other Countries Look At Corporal Punishment

Globally, the trend has been moving away from corporal punishment in schools. More than 100 countries have banned physical discipline in educational settings, reflecting a growing consensus that such practices are incompatible with modern child rights standards.

France has fully banned corporal punishment, strengthening its legal prohibitions in recent years to include all forms of violence, including in education.

Corporal punishment was banned in state-run schools in 1986 and in all private schools across the UK by 2003.

The US has not fully banned corporal punishment. Some private and public schools across many states, particularly in the South and Midwest, still allow it, according to data from PMC – NIH and analysis in The Conversation.

India banned corporal punishment in schools and child care institutions such as the Juvenile Homes through the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE), Act, 2009, which prohibits physical punishment and mental harassment.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights provides guidelines for schools to develop mechanisms for addressing student grievances and ensuring a safe environment.

Despite these bans, the practice still continues in many areas due to deeply ingrained cultural beliefs.

Corporal Punishment From Human Rights And Legal Perspectives

From a human rights standpoint, corporal punishment is increasingly viewed as problematic. International organisations and child rights advocates argue that physical punishment violates a child’s dignity and can amount to degrading treatment.

There is also concern about the unequal application of such policies. In Singapore, caning is applied only to boys, raising questions about gender-specific disciplinary practices.

Critics argue that maintaining corporal punishment in schools sends conflicting signals, especially when governments simultaneously promote mental health awareness and child protection.

In India, despite the ban, enforcement remains uneven. Reports of physical punishment continue to emerge from different parts of the country, indicating a gap between policy and practice.

A Class 9 student in Andhra Pradesh was allegedly beaten severely by his teacher with a stick for completing his homework. His parents and other later staged a protest outside the school.

In Ranchi, Jharkhand, a Class 2 student was beaten up by his teacher for allegedly bringing a particular brand of instant noodles in his lunch box.

A teacher in Shimla had allegedly stripped a Class 5 student naked and beat him with a prickly stick as he was caught stealing. The boy was seen crying after a video of them was posted on social media.

Rising Concerns Around Bullying In Schools

The debate around corporal punishment is closely linked to growing concerns about student behaviour. Schools across the world, including in India, are dealing with issues such as bullying, cyberbullying and mental health challenges among students.

In India, over 37% of children have reported experiencing online harassment, with cyberbullying incidents frequently involving sexual harassment and threats of physical harm. Verbal bullying remains prevalent, and many victims face serious long-term consequences such as severe loneliness, anxiety, and school avoidance

In India, the pressure on schools has increased as awareness of mental health issues grows. Educators are expected to maintain discipline while also ensuring a safe and supportive environment for students.

This creates a complex challenge. Strict disciplinary measures may deter misconduct, but they can also harm students psychologically. On the other hand, purely counselling-based approaches may be seen as insufficient in addressing serious behavioural issues.

What Are The Alternatives To Corporal Punishment?

Many education systems are exploring alternatives to corporal punishment. These include restorative justice practices, peer mediation, counselling and behavioural therapy.

Such approaches aim to address the root causes of misconduct rather than relying on punishment alone. They focus on accountability, empathy and long-term behavioural change.

In India, there is a growing push towards these models, particularly in private and urban schools. However, scaling them across diverse education systems remains a challenge.

The debate over corporal punishment is ultimately about the kind of education system societies want to build. It is a question of values as much as effectiveness.

Singapore’s decision underscores the complexities of maintaining discipline in modern classrooms. While it reflects one approach, it also highlights the need for ongoing dialogue on how best to address student behaviour without compromising well-being.

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