Forum: Bullying reflects deeper issues in families and society

I refer to the Opinion article “

Uproar over Sengkang Green Primary bullying reveals an unrealistic Singapore

” (Aug 26). I agree with the writer that bullying is not the sole responsibility of the school, and that schools, parents and society must play a part in addressing it.

Bullying often points to deeper problems within families and society. It has even become a recurring theme in many Korean dramas.

I read that in 1993, Denmark made empathy a required school subject. It has helped children aged six to 16 develop compassion and social awareness.

The writer of the article rightly asks: “Why should we expect perfectly harmonious relations among children, when adults themselves struggle with conflict and office politics in the workplace?” Indeed, children often mirror the unresolved conflicts and emotional pain of adults around them.

Everyone has a role in repairing the situation. We need to be kinder and, most definitely, realistic. Bullying is not just a school problem – it holds up a mirror to our own struggles with the human condition.

Teresa G. Hogan