Forum: Measures in place to protect students’ safety and well-being
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We would like to assure Forum writer Hana Alhadad that the Ministry of Education (MOE) has systemic measures in place so that our schools remain safe learning environments for all our students (Critical need for comprehensive child protection policy to ensure students’ safety and well-being, June 19).
Before school staff are hired, MOE conducts stringent pre-employment background checks on all prospective employees for teaching and non-teaching staff positions in schools.
MOE has a Code of Professional Conduct for Educators, which sets out clear expectations for proper teacher-student relationships and the standards for appropriate conduct in schools.
The code also includes guidelines for teachers to exercise peer vigilance and report any known misconduct. All educators are expected to abide by the code and there are regular discussions in schools to remind educators of what is set out in the code.
All schools have processes in place for staff and students to report wrongful practices or behaviour. Our teachers are trained to look out for signs of distress in students, support them and refer them to school counsellors where necessary.
Through the curriculum, students learn about personal safety and protection from abuse from a young age, and these lessons are reinforced throughout their schooling years. Students also learn how to seek help and are provided with resources and community helplines to alert trusted adults when their personal safety is threatened or compromised.
These systemic measures are in place to protect the safety of our students. MOE takes a very serious view of any suspected case of staff misconduct and will investigate every case fully, including reporting it to the police where necessary.
Schools and teachers work hand in hand with parents to protect the safety and well-being of our students.
Parents with any concerns about their child’s safety or well-being should reach out to their child’s teachers, principal or MOE.
Tan Chen Kee
Deputy Director-General of Education (Schools) and Director of Schools
Ministry of Education
