Forum: Open communication between parents, schools and children crucial in bullying cases
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In the article “ Parents should let schools handle fighting or bullying cases, and avoid jumping in: Chan Chun Sing
While schools implement discipline and restorative measures, parents shape their children’s behaviour and responses to conflict.
However, students who do not conform to societal norms – including those with learning differences – are disproportionately affected by bullying. They face greater risks of exclusion and discrimination, and schools alone may not always provide enough support for them.
At the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS), we have a child safety framework designed to help educational therapists identify students who may be experiencing bullying. This framework includes drills and structured lesson plans that teach educators strategies to support students and, where possible, “bully-proof” them.
Through these activities, we empower students with the confidence, resilience and skills to navigate challenging social situations while fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity.
Bullying is not just a school issue – it is a societal one. While schools can implement policies and provide counselling, parents remain a child’s first educators. Respect, empathy, and conflict resolution skills begin at home and should be continuously reinforced. Schools should actively engage parents in bullying prevention efforts rather than treating them as bystanders.
Open communication between parents, schools and children is crucial, as students involved in bullying – whether as victims, perpetrators, or bystanders – may not always report it.
Schools can leverage platforms like Parents Gateway and learning management systems to keep parents informed, strengthening trust and collaboration.
A 2021 study by DAS found that about 70 per cent of parents reported their child had experienced bullying, though many cases go unreported.
To offer discreet support, DAS has developed in-house lesson plans to help educational therapists guide students in coping with and addressing bullying. Beyond intervention, meaningful parent engagement is vital. At DAS, we prioritise this through bi-annual meet-the-parents sessions, workshops, talks and regular updates, fostering a supportive environment where parents and students feel empowered.
By working together, we can build an inclusive school community where every student – especially those with learning differences – can thrive without fear of bullying.
Sujatha Nair
Deputy Director of Staff Professional Development, and Lead Educational Therapist of English Language and Literacy Division
Dyslexia Association of Singapore
