A mother in Singapore is seeking assistance from the government and media after her daughter was reportedly bullied and molested at Punggol Cove Primary School. Despite her appeals, the school claims it has addressed the issues.
Singapore, Singapore Jul 21, 2026 ALN: A mother in Singapore has taken to social media seeking help after her daughter was allegedly bullied at a primary school. While she claims that her appeals for help have been ignored, the school has said it has already intervened in the matter. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the handling of bullying and molestation allegations within educational institutions in Singapore, a country known for its strict laws and regulations regarding child safety and welfare.
On July 9, the mother, Họ Nguyễn, began posting on Facebook, saying that her daughter had not been acting normally. She claimed that she had complained of bullying and that other children had been scared to go to Punggol Cove Primary School. Ms Ho added that she hoped the Education Ministry could do something. This reflects a growing concern among parents in Singapore about the safety and well-being of their children in schools, particularly in light of recent media reports highlighting various incidents of bullying and harassment in educational settings.
In her second post on July 14, she asked the Government and the media for help after claiming that she had repeatedly gone to the school “to talk things over,” but was allegedly “discriminated against by senior teachers” and “treated with contempt.” Such claims point to a potential breakdown in communication between parents and school officials, which can exacerbate the feelings of helplessness and frustration that parents experience when their children are in distress.
She also said she called the police, indicating the seriousness of her concerns. The involvement of law enforcement in cases of bullying and molestation is not uncommon, as parents seek to ensure that their children are protected and that appropriate action is taken against those who may harm them. “My child was bullied many times at school, but the issues weren’t resolved properly, and one of the teachers even yelled back when my daughter was bullied,” she wrote, adding that her daughter, aged 9, was allegedly taught that “stupid” and “f*** you” were normal. This raises questions about the school’s environment and the adequacy of its policies and training regarding bullying and child protection.
In her next post two days later, she repeated her appeal and claims. More seriously, however, she alleged that her daughter had been molested twice by a classmate. But when she reported this to the school, she felt that the school officers did not treat the allegation with the seriousness it deserved, but simply said instead that her daughter’s seat would be changed. This response has sparked outrage among parents and advocates for children's rights, who argue that such incidents should be taken with utmost seriousness and that victims should receive comprehensive support and protection.
“That does not address what has happened or ensure her safety. My daughter should not have to feel afraid at school. She deserves to be protected. I keep asking myself: who will keep my child safe while she is at school?” the mother wrote, adding that should the issue continue, she would take legal action. The prospect of legal action underscores the gravity of the situation and reflects a growing trend among parents to hold schools accountable for the safety and treatment of their children.
In succeeding posts, Ms Ho appeared to take issue with a post from the Ministry of Education (MOE) about bullying, zeroing in on the anxiety parents feel when they perceive an investigation into bullying cases takes too long. The MOE has been actively promoting anti-bullying initiatives and has established guidelines for schools to follow in addressing such issues. However, the effectiveness of these measures is often scrutinized, particularly in light of cases where parents feel their concerns are not being adequately addressed.
“I never imagined, and never expected, that in such a clean and beautiful country, there would be an entire team, from the lowest to the highest ranks in schools, who, when confronted by a 9-year-old child, would blame the child for not handling the situation properly,” the distraught mother wrote. This statement highlights the emotional toll that these experiences can have on both children and their families, as well as the need for a more compassionate and responsive approach from educational institutions.
Her latest post on the issues was on July 20, and it appears that things have not yet been resolved for her. According to reporting from Mothership, however, the mother’s complaints stemmed from an October 2025 incident when a student used inappropriate language toward Ms Ho’s daughter. The timeline of events suggests that the issues have been ongoing and may indicate a pattern of bullying behavior that has not been adequately addressed.
When they learned of the incident, the school looked into it and reprimanded the other student, who said sorry to the girl. While apologies can be a step towards resolution, many parents argue that they are often insufficient in addressing the underlying issues of bullying and harassment. On July 2, however, Ms Ho’s daughter alleged that she had been touched inappropriately by another student, which the school looked into that day, and the parents of both children were informed. Another incident occurred on July 8, which the school also investigated. This series of events raises concerns about the overall safety and well-being of students at the school and the effectiveness of the school's interventions.
Support has also been extended to the girl’s family. “We are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students. Our teachers have followed up on each reported incident promptly and professionally, and have kept parents informed of the actions taken,” school principal Teo Whye Choo was quoted as saying. This statement reflects the school’s commitment to addressing the issues raised by Ms Ho, but it also highlights the challenges that schools face in balancing the needs of students while ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment.
The situation at Punggol Cove Primary School is not an isolated incident; it reflects broader societal concerns regarding bullying and child safety in schools across Singapore. The Ministry of Education has implemented various policies and programs aimed at combating bullying, including anti-bullying campaigns, training for teachers, and the establishment of reporting channels for students and parents. However, the effectiveness of these measures is often called into question, particularly in cases where parents feel that their concerns are not being taken seriously.
As this case continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the importance of open communication between parents, schools, and authorities in addressing issues of bullying and ensuring the safety of children in educational environments. The implications of this case extend beyond the immediate concerns of the family involved; they highlight the need for systemic changes in how schools handle allegations of bullying and molestation, as well as the importance of fostering a culture of empathy and support for all students.
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