一則關於新加坡校園霸凌事件的新聞，近期在全球教育領域引發廣泛討論，焦點在於新加坡對一名年僅9歲、參與霸凌的男童，實施極具爭議性的鞭刑處罰。此事件不僅揭露校園霸凌的嚴重性，也折射出新加坡「嚴厲管教」與「愛的鞭策」的教育文化。

事件的起因是一名女學生長期受到三名男同學的欺凌。這些霸凌行為不僅包括擦掉女孩作業本上的內容、摔壞她的文具、日常推搡等，更逐步升級至心理恐嚇。其中一名男童甚至獲得女孩家庭的聯絡方式，開始頻繁撥打騷擾電話，並在電話中對女孩母親發出駭人聽聞的死亡威脅，聲稱要「在學校了結她的性命」，甚至揚言要「將她碎屍，連同父母一起殺害」。如此惡毒的言語，竟出自一個9歲男孩之口，讓人難以想像。對於這名女學生而言，原本應是快樂的學校生活，卻逐漸變成一段地獄般的煎熬。

直到老師注意到女孩身上的淤青，並調取監控錄像後，真相才浮出水面。監控顯示，其中一名男童曾用書包猛烈砸向女孩，霸凌事件因此曝光。事發後，新加坡司法與教育部門迅速介入，展現「零容忍」的態度。最終，三名涉事男童分別受到不同程度的懲罰：其中兩名情節相對輕微者被長期停課，而行為最為嚴重的男童則被判處鞭刑。

新加坡的鞭刑制度以嚴厲著稱，被形容為近乎中國古代「打板子」的現代版。依據新加坡刑法，鞭長1.2米，粗1.3公分，執行前需在清水中浸泡一夜，以確保柔韌性並避免斷裂。雖然坊間曾有「浸泡鹽水或藥水」的說法，但官方澄清實際僅用消毒劑擦拭。鞭刑要求一鞭下去即可造成皮開肉綻的痛楚，每次鞭打後醫生都需檢查受刑者的狀況，若無法承受，便會立即停止。這種極端的痛苦，使鞭刑常被歐美國家批評為「不人道」，但新加坡政府始終堅持此為有效懲戒手段，並認為未成年人若犯下惡性事件，同樣應在管教中承受應有代價。

在法律層面，18至50歲的成年人若通過體檢，方可被執行鞭刑，一次最多不得超過24下，以免造成過度損害。而針對未成年人，鞭刑會進行「弱化處理」，例如改用更細的藤條，打擊部位從臀部改為手掌，並且必須在見證人監督下執行。本次霸凌事件中，那名情節最嚴重的9歲男童便被判以「打手心」的形式來實行鞭刑，且需由校長或副校長親自執行。

這起事件再次將新加坡嚴苛的教育與懲戒制度推上國際輿論場。支持者認為，唯有通過「斯巴達式嚴厲」與「愛的鞭策」，才能有效遏制校園霸凌與惡性行為；反對者則質疑，這樣的懲罰方式是否會對孩子心理造成二次傷害。無論如何，這起9歲男童遭鞭刑的事件，無疑成為全球教育模式與懲戒方式的一次激烈爭議與深刻反思。

A recent case in Singapore involving school bullying has sparked widespread debate in global education circles, as the country imposed a highly controversial punishment on a nine-year-old boy: caning. The incident not only exposed the severity of bullying but also reflected Singapore’s educational philosophy of “strict discipline” and “love through punishment.”

The case began when a young girl was subjected to prolonged bullying by three male classmates. The abuse ranged from erasing her homework and breaking her stationery to shoving her around on a daily basis. Over time, the harassment escalated. One boy even obtained the girl’s family contact information and began making repeated harassing phone calls. Disturbingly, he issued death threats to her mother, claiming he would “end her life at school” and “cut her into pieces, killing both her and her parents.” Such chilling words coming from a nine-year-old boy shocked many. For the girl, what should have been a joyful school life turned into a living nightmare.

The abuse came to light only after a teacher noticed bruises on the girl’s body. Security footage revealed one of the boys had struck her with a schoolbag, finally exposing the bullying. Singapore’s judicial and educational authorities intervened swiftly, showing a zero-tolerance stance. The three boys received different levels of punishment: the two with relatively minor involvement were given long-term suspensions, while the boy who committed the most serious acts was sentenced to caning.

Singapore’s caning system is notoriously severe, often compared to the ancient Chinese punishment of flogging. According to Singaporean law, the cane is 1.2 meters long and 1.3 centimeters thick. Before use, it must be soaked overnight in water to ensure flexibility and prevent breakage. Though rumors suggest it is soaked in saltwater or medicine, officials clarified that it is only wiped with disinfectant. Each stroke of the cane is designed to cause the skin to split, with unbearable pain. After every stroke, a doctor examines the recipient, and if the child cannot endure further blows, the punishment stops immediately. Because of its intensity, caning has been criticized by many Western countries as “inhumane.” However, Singapore has consistently defended it as an effective form of discipline, extending its use not only to adults but also to minors when their offenses are deemed serious enough.

Legally, adults between 18 and 50 may be caned if they pass a medical examination, with a maximum of 24 strokes at a time to prevent excessive harm. For minors, adjustments are made: thinner canes are used, the punishment is carried out on the palms instead of the buttocks, and it must be overseen by witnesses. In this bullying case, the nine-year-old boy received such a modified punishment—strikes to his palms—administered personally by the principal or vice-principal.

The case has once again thrust Singapore’s strict disciplinary and educational practices into the global spotlight. Supporters argue that only through “Spartan-style toughness” and “love through punishment” can severe bullying and misconduct be curbed effectively. Critics, however, worry that such harsh methods may inflict lasting psychological harm on children. Regardless, the incident of a nine-year-old being caned has become a flashpoint in international debates over education models and disciplinary methods.