Sengkang Green Pri bullying: Mother of P3 girl seeks evidence of her daughter's alleged 'misconduct' cited in school's statement

Editor’s note: An earlier version of the article gave the impression that Yin had already received a safety measure plan from the school for the daughter. This is incorrect and has been edited.

The mother of a Primary Three girl from Sengkang Green Primary School, who was allegedly bullied by three boys in her class, responded to the school's statement made to the media.

The mother, Ni Yin, notified the school after she found out that three boys in her daughter's class had allegedly been bullying her for many months.

After escalating the matter to the school and the mother of one of the boys, she allegedly received death threats directed at her daughter and herself, from a person threatening to "dissect her to pieces", "end her life in school" and "kill you instead and your husband".

Three boys suspended, possible caning

In response to media queries, the school said that primary three boys were immediately suspended and underwent counselling.

However, the school added that its investigations found that the girl has "also engaged in hurtful behaviour".

It said that this would also be addressed to ensure that students "learn the values of respect and take responsibility for their own actions."

In addition, the school said it was supporting the girl and engaging her parents since the incidents were first reported.

MOE also told Mothership that given the severity of their actions, the school will review and mete out further disciplinary consequences, which may include caning, after the police has looked into the matter.

Provide evidence of daughter's behaviour

In an Aug. 16 Facebook post, Yin questioned the school's "Return-to-School Safety Plan" and called for evidence of her daughter's "misconduct" in school.

"At a time when the school should be addressing the bullying crisis, it chose instead to tell the media that 'my daughter also misbehaved' and would be dealt with. Such a statement deeply harms the victim, diverts public attention, and shifts blame onto the child," said Yin.

Upon reading the school's statement in the media, Yin said she was "shocked" to read that the school claimed her daughter "had also engaged in inappropriate behaviour that harmed others".

Yin asked for the school to provide all evidence of such claims and said that if her daughter did misbehave, she would not cover it up.

In addition, she questioned why the school did not inform her of such issues with her daughter, claiming that withholding such information deprives the parents of the chance to "educate and guide our child in a timely manner".

Yin cited that her daughter's past performance in school also contradicts the school's claim. She said her daughter never received any complaints, and her teachers had described her as "helpful and thoughtful".

"Why now, after the bullying incident became public, does the school suddenly raise allegations of misconduct?" Yin asked.

"This raises serious questions: is the School attempting to divert attention from its own mishandling by shifting the spotlight onto the victim?"

Yin also stated that she "reserve[s] the right to take legal action."

Safety plan

The school also said in its statement that it was supporting the girl and engaging her parents since the incident was first reported.

Yin stated that she had requested via WhatsApp a safety plan for her daughter's return.

In a screenshot of her message attached to the post, Yin said she needed to be assured, in writing, of a concrete safety measure plan to be implemented for her daughter.

Such measures include:

• Physical separation of the girl and the alleged bullies at all times
• Regular staff supervision in areas where previous incidents occurred
• Clear escalation protocols in case anything happens again

Yin added that her daughter is experiencing "significant emotional distress and anxiety" from the whole incident, and the girl's "mental and physical well-being" remains the mother's top priority.

"Once I receive this information, I will be able to consult both with her and with our appointed psychologist to determine a safe and appropriate return to school plan," she wrote.

However, Yin claimed that she has not received any written reply from the school.

Attendance

In the message from the school, it stated that it was "important for [daughter] to attend school to support her holistic development and growth".

It added that "while no one can promise 100 per cent safety anywhere, we take all reports of bullying very seriously and act quickly to address them."

Yin responded that her daughter refuses to return to school since Aug. 11, "out of fear and trauma".

She added that the vice-principal of the school also told Yin that she "could not guarantee" protection after Yin requested protection for her daughter.

As such, Yin decided to respect her daughter's wishes and "protect her psychological well-being".

Aside from two brief messages from her daughter's Chinese teacher,  Yin also claimed that during her daughter's absence from school, "no learning support or assistance was provided, nor did any staff proactively checked on her well-being".

Mothership has reached out to Sengkang Green Primary School for comments.

In response to Mothership's queries, the police said a report was lodged and they are looking into the matter.

Top photos via Ni Yin/Facebook & Google Maps