SINGAPORE: A disturbing incident of bullying involving students from Bukit View Secondary School (BVSS) has caught public attention after a video surfaced on TikTok on Sunday, September 15, 2023. The footage shows a BVSS student being violently kicked in the back, leading to him collapsing on the ground while fellow students mock him.

Captured at a Housing and Development Board (HDB) void deck, this incident has ignited outrage online. Witnesses estimate that at least five other students were present and involved during the troubling altercation.

The principal of Bukit View Secondary, Jaswant Singh, responded to the controversy, asserting that the school does not tolerate bullying and takes such behavior "very seriously." He stated that the incident occurred outside school grounds and had not been reported to the administration until the video went viral. Upon learning of the video, the school promptly checked on the well-being of the victim, who reportedly said he had not sustained any injuries at that time.

In light of the incident, BVSS plans to counsel all parties involved and will implement disciplinary measures as deemed appropriate. The victim's parents have also taken action by lodging a police report, prompting investigations by local authorities, which confirmed they are currently looking into the matter.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) reaffirmed its stand against bullying in schools. In response to a parliamentary inquiry regarding the effectiveness of their anti-bullying policies, the MOE emphasized its commitment to ensuring that all students understand that bullying—be it physical, cyber, or gender-based—is unequivocally unacceptable. They highlighted ongoing efforts to create a supportive school environment that includes monitoring situations for early intervention, providing necessary training for school personnel, and offering counselling for affected students.

As incidents like this continue to spark outrage among parents and the community, the call for stricter anti-bullying measures and greater awareness about the impact of such behavior is louder than ever. The unfortunate reality is that bullying can have lifelong effects on victims, including emotional and psychological scars.

Stay tuned for updates as the investigation unfolds and witness the growing demand for change in how our schools address conflicts among students. Bullying must not remain a hidden problem; action must be taken!