The tragic suicide of E K Jia Yun Angeline, a student at Admiralty Secondary School, has cast a spotlight on bullying and its devastating consequences.
Angeline, a vibrant and promising young girl with a bright future, took her own life after enduring relentless bullying at the hands of her peers.
Her story has sparked outrage and grief, raising urgent questions about accountability, school protocols, and the mental health of students in Singapore.
Angeline was just shy of 16 when she died by suicide after enduring severe bullying at Admiralty Secondary School. According to her grieving mother, Angeline was targeted by three classmates—Amberly, Belinda, and Thiri—who ostracized her, coerced others to avoid her, and perpetuated a culture of hostility.
Despite numerous complaints raised with the school’s principal, Mr. Lam Yu Ping, and his administrative team, little to no action was taken to address the ongoing harassment.
The lack of intervention from school authorities reportedly worsened Angeline’s situation. Instead of addressing the bullies’ behavior, her mother alleges that the school dismissed Angeline as “needy” and labeled her mother a “compulsive complainer.”
This apparent disregard for their concerns left Angeline increasingly isolated, withdrawn, and deeply depressed. Ultimately, the young girl took her own life by jumping from a building, leaving her family and community devastated.
A Culture of Bullying?
Angeline’s story has reignited conversations about bullying in Singaporean schools, with many questioning whether institutions are doing enough to protect students. Admiralty Secondary School, commonly abbreviated as ASS, has faced harsh criticism in the wake of this incident. Many online commentators have mocked its unfortunate acronym, associating it with its perceived failure to prioritize student welfare.
Bullying is not a new issue in Singapore’s schools, but reports suggest a recent spike in such incidents, possibly influenced by the viral spread of bullying videos like the one from Bukit View Secondary School. While this trend has sparked greater awareness, it also highlights a systemic failure to adequately address bullying and provide safe environments for students.
