Recent incidents involving the mistreatment of children in Singapore have raised serious concerns about safety in educational and recreational environments. Two separate cases have come to light, each involving an adult engaging in harmful behaviour towards young children.
Assault at Indoor Playground
A 39-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his daughter, has been charged with slapping a six-year-old boy at an indoor playground in Westgate shopping mall. The incident occurred on 22 December 2024, when the accused believed the boy had accidentally knocked over a styrofoam wall built by his daughter.
- The man approached the boy amidst a crowd and slapped him on the face, leaving a visible bruise.
- Witnesses report that the child appeared quieter and experienced nightmares following the encounter.
In court, Deputy Public Prosecutor Joelle Loy described the assault as