Three Montfort Secondary Students Face Caning, Detention after Fight Turns Viral

The Ministry of Education (MOE) confirmed on 3 March 2025 that all three Secondary One students involved in a fighting incident at Montfort Secondary School will receive disciplinary actions, including caning, detention and suspension.

Classroom Fight Escalates to Viral Video Incident

The incident first gained public attention when a video appeared on social media on 22 February 2025.

The footage showed a group of boys trailing after another boy carrying a school bag before tripping and kicking him when he fell. The clip was shared more than 10,000 times on Facebook but was no longer available by 11pm on 23 Feb the next day.

MOE clarified that what appeared in the video was actually a continuation of an earlier classroom altercation. According to their statement, the boy who was pushed had fought with two classmates before a teacher stepped in to stop them.

After dismissal, the two classmates followed the student to the stairway and canteen, where the fight resumed.

“As all parties share some responsibility for the incident, disciplinary action has been taken to help them understand the severity and consequences of their actions,” MOE stated.

The Ministry also confirmed they were aware that a police report had been lodged and investigations are ongoing.

Parental Concerns and School Response to Fighting Incident

A Facebook user named Joleen Wee, who identified herself as the mother of the boy who was pushed, posted on 23 Feb about her son’s “traumatic experience.”

“What the school and MOE has replied or answered has raised concerns about the school’s failure to protect its students,” she wrote.

Wee added that her son had developed a phobia of going to school and mixing with friends after the incident.

“Through this post, I wished to clarify that my son was not just being bullied! He was assaulted!” she stated, confirming she had made a police report.

MOE said all three students have been counselled, and the school has engaged their parents regarding the disciplinary actions. The school will work with parents to provide the necessary support to the students involved.

“Any form of hurtful behaviour is not acceptable and has no place in our schools,” the Education Ministry emphasized.

The Ministry urged the public to give schools and teachers time and space to investigate such incidents and work with students and their parents to address them properly.

“We are aware that there may be external parties seeking to exert influence when these incidents happen, and we hope that we can work together to protect schools as a safe space for children to learn and grow,” MOE added.

In October 2024, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing noted that the average number of bullying incidents in schools has remained steady, with an annual average of two bullying incidents in primary schools and six incidents in secondary schools per 1,000 students. These statistics cover both online and physical bullying.

Mr Chan also stated in Parliament in February that punishing students for bullying without rehabilitating them is not in line with the long-term developmental interests of children.