Standard Procedures for Teachers when Questioning Students about Serious Disciplinary Incidents

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Education (a) what are the current standard procedures for teachers when students are questioned about serious disciplinary incidents such as alleged theft; and (b) whether there will be a mandatory protocol requiring a parent or guardian to be present during such questioning to protect a child from being mentally intimidated to the point of becoming suicidal.

Schools have established procedures to ensure student well-being during disciplinary investigations. These include conducting interviews in safe and private spaces with familiar staff members, such as their Form Teachers or Year Heads, and monitoring students for signs of distress. For students who are visibly distressed, school counsellors will provide social-emotional support and parents will also be informed.

Current protocols do not require parental presence during school-based disciplinary investigations.