147 child abuse cases investigated by ECDA in 2023 as confirmed cases also rise
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The three-year average number of confirmed child mismanagement cases increased from 11 per 100,000 children in 2022, to 12 per 100,000 children in 2023.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
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SINGAPORE - The number of child abuse cases investigated by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) increased to 147 in 2023, from 137 cases in 2022.
The three-year average number of confirmed child mismanagement cases increased from 11 per 100,000 children in 2022, to 12 per 100,000 children in 2023, said Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli on July 2 in a written reply to a parliamentary question by Mr Melvin Yong (Radin Mas).
The three-year average refers to the average number of substantiated child mismanagement cases per 100,000 children enrolled in pre-schools over the most recent three-year period.
Mr Yong had asked about the number of child abuse cases in pre-schools over the past five years and whether measures are being implemented to help pre-school teachers cope with the demands of their jobs.
Mr Masagos said: “The increase in the number of investigations and substantiated child mismanagement cases can be attributed to increased vigilance and awareness of appropriate reporting channels among parents and educators.”
In August 2023, ECDA said closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras would be made mandatory in all pre-schools and government-funded early intervention centres
The CCTV cameras are required in key access points and areas used by children, such as classrooms, activity rooms, play areas within the premises, and infant napping rooms.
This followed two cases of child mismanagement at two Kinderland pre-school centres, Woodlands Mart and Sunshine Place, that came to light on Aug 28, 2023.
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In a separate video that emerged in the same month, another teacher was seen “forcefully pushing” a three-year-old child.
It was reported in February 2024 that after the incidents, Kinderland was fined $10,000
“All educators are expected to provide a safe and conducive environment for children,” Mr Masagos said, adding that ECDA has strengthened its training programmes to ensure educators are clear on their obligations to ensure child safety.
He said the agency is also reviewing its regulatory framework to increase penalties for operators who violate regulations.
Mr Masagos said that to improve educators’ well-being and working conditions, ECDA has removed the requirement for childcare centres to operate on Saturdays from 2025
Pre-schools will also have two additional holidays – Teachers’ Day and Children’s Day – on top of the six days when pre-schools are allowed to close each year for organisational activities, such as curriculum planning and staff training, he added.
“This allows educators more time to rest and focus on their development,” Mr Masagos said, adding that ECDA is also looking to implement a relief staff pool to help educators take time off.
