Children are vulnerable to comparisons but barring displays of wealth in school may not work in this age of social media.
By Yuen Sin, The Straits Times, 27 Apr 2017
In The Necessary Stage's classic play Those Who Can't, Teach, which casts the spotlight on life in a typical secondary school in Singapore, there is a scene in which a student, Teck Liang, contemptuously lashes out against his working-class father, a fishmonger.
He scornfully questions why his father must work in a market, and does not wear a tie and jacket to work in an office. Unlike a wealthier classmate, Raymond, Teck Liang's father cannot afford to buy him Nike shoes, nor does he own a car or condominium unit. These differences fuel Teck Liang's sense of shame and self-hatred.
It has been more than 20 years since the play was first staged, but its stark illustration of how the classroom often serves as the setting in which children's eyes are opened to the realities of socio-economic difference remains relevant.
A recent move by at least six primary schools here to shield students from the effects of inequality by issuing guidelines against extravagant birthday celebrations - involving sweet treats and goodie bags - has sparked debate.
While schools explained that this would deter comparisons between the haves and have-nots and avoid situations where parents feel pressured to spend on their children whether or not they could afford it, some have dismissed the move as excessive mollycoddling.
After all, why deprive children of a chance to commemorate an event that only rolls around once a year? Others argue that since the practice of birthday celebrations has become common at the pre-school level, there is no reason to discourage them in primary schools.
A TIME AND PLACE FOR EVERYTHING
Just to be clear, there is no national ban on birthday parties in schools. Those primary schools that have guidelines to discourage extravagance have implemented the new rules with a light touch.
Parents, for example, were reminded that they could mark such occasions at home with friends and family. Other schools, like Riverside Primary in Woodlands, emphasised that birthdays can be celebrated meaningfully with a song in class, without the trappings of materialism.
As public institutions, schools play an important role in communicating and inculcating values through their practices.
Take the wearing of the school uniform, a practice that has been in place since before independence. By enforcing a standard dress code, schools send a symbolic message that students are all equal in the school environment, and reduce comparisons between students based on the brands and provenances of their clothes.
By Yuen Sin, The Straits Times, 27 Apr 2017
He scornfully questions why his father must work in a market, and does not wear a tie and jacket to work in an office. Unlike a wealthier classmate, Raymond, Teck Liang's father cannot afford to buy him Nike shoes, nor does he own a car or condominium unit. These differences fuel Teck Liang's sense of shame and self-hatred.
It has been more than 20 years since the play was first staged, but its stark illustration of how the classroom often serves as the setting in which children's eyes are opened to the realities of socio-economic difference remains relevant.
A recent move by at least six primary schools here to shield students from the effects of inequality by issuing guidelines against extravagant birthday celebrations - involving sweet treats and goodie bags - has sparked debate.
While schools explained that this would deter comparisons between the haves and have-nots and avoid situations where parents feel pressured to spend on their children whether or not they could afford it, some have dismissed the move as excessive mollycoddling.
After all, why deprive children of a chance to commemorate an event that only rolls around once a year? Others argue that since the practice of birthday celebrations has become common at the pre-school level, there is no reason to discourage them in primary schools.
A TIME AND PLACE FOR EVERYTHING
Just to be clear, there is no national ban on birthday parties in schools. Those primary schools that have guidelines to discourage extravagance have implemented the new rules with a light touch.
Parents, for example, were reminded that they could mark such occasions at home with friends and family. Other schools, like Riverside Primary in Woodlands, emphasised that birthdays can be celebrated meaningfully with a song in class, without the trappings of materialism.
As public institutions, schools play an important role in communicating and inculcating values through their practices.
Take the wearing of the school uniform, a practice that has been in place since before independence. By enforcing a standard dress code, schools send a symbolic message that students are all equal in the school environment, and reduce comparisons between students based on the brands and provenances of their clothes.
While more schools have been relaxing guidelines in recent years, with quite a few now allowing students to wear branded sports shoes provided they conform to a particular colour scheme, they have also been careful to communicate that such concessions are a privilege.
AGE AND SOCIAL STATUS
At a young age, markers of income disparity - whether in terms of appearance, material possessions or even something as innocuous as whether one has the ability to hand out birthday party favours - are "experienced keenly in the school, the centre of students' social and educational lives", noted Associate Professor Irene Ng from the National University of Singapore's (NUS) Department of Social Work.
AGE AND SOCIAL STATUS
At a young age, markers of income disparity - whether in terms of appearance, material possessions or even something as innocuous as whether one has the ability to hand out birthday party favours - are "experienced keenly in the school, the centre of students' social and educational lives", noted Associate Professor Irene Ng from the National University of Singapore's (NUS) Department of Social Work.
It may also snowball into something more distressing for students, according to NUS sociologist Tan Ern Ser, who said that problems of stigmatisation and bullying of students who are less well-off may exist. These may not always be picked up because they "may be misconceived as a behavioural and disciplinary matter", rather than a matter of social difference, such as bullying behaviours displayed by cliques formed on the basis of similar socio-economic background.
Previous interviews conducted by The Straits Times demonstrate how students are affected by such differences.
Those from less well-off families in independent schools recounted how buying branded goods and treating people to meals or events become prerequisites for "being cool" in school. One even shared an anecdote about a student who lived in public housing but who lied and said she lived in a condominium and also stole money to "treat" others so as to keep up appearances.
Some experts are of the view that children have not developed the maturity or vocabulary to discuss the meaning and impact of social differences, and yet are able to recognise such differences.
Singapore Children's Society chief executive Alfred Tan noted that guidelines against displays of material wealth in school are a first step in reducing comparison and pressure. But unlike Singapore's early days, when enforced uniformity in schools had more concrete impact beyond merely establishing a veneer of equality, it is now difficult to shield children from such comparisons in this age of social media.
He suggested that schools seize instances where such comparisons arise as an opportunity to teach children about social differences and inculcate values. "We don't want to stigmatise one group or patronise another (by introducing too many rules). At the end of the day, I believe (open discussion) will benefit everybody."
Such discussion, said Prof Tan, should not harp on socio-economic difference, "but point to inclusiveness and equality of opportunity".
Pasir-Ris Punggol GRC MP Zainal Sapari, who sits on the Government Parliamentary Committee for Education, concedes that it can be difficult to strike a balance between introducing such guidelines in schools and maintaining flexibility.
As a student from a low-income family, he had once looked upon his schoolmates' branded shoes with envy when the school allowed them to be worn for weekend events. When Mr Zainal later became a principal at Mayflower Primary School, a post he held from 2003 to 2009, he disallowed his pupils from holding costly birthday celebrations, and from bringing mobile phones to school, to discourage comparisons.
"But such rules will change over time. Each school has a different mix of students from various socio-economic backgrounds, so it depends on the comfort level of the school community," said Mr Zainal, who does not believe it would be productive for the Ministry of Education (MOE) to issue a top-down directive on such matters.
After all, such guidelines "may not be the best way to teach (students) that there is income disparity in society," he said. At the end of the day, what schools have to do is create a safe environment for students to learn, where they are free from unwanted pressures, he added.
Mr Tan of the Singapore Children's Society suggested that MOE strengthen its collaboration with parents, and guide them on how to teach their children to navigate and overcome socio-economic differences.
If children get their values right in terms of looking beyond face-value attributes such as social status or wealth at an early age, it will be more beneficial in the long term, he said.
If the subject of social disparity does surface, discussing it, even among children, need not be a daunting task. For example, the use of tools like children's books or role-playing can help ease children into sensitive discussions and reflection about such differences and how groups that are marginalised can be included.
With Values in Action now part and parcel of most primary school programmes, taking extra time out to encourage deeper reflection on issues like inclusion will equip pupils with skills for life as they progress further in their education journey, and become exposed to people from backgrounds that are even more diverse.
With Values in Action now part and parcel of most primary school programmes, taking extra time out to encourage deeper reflection on issues like inclusion will equip pupils with skills for life as they progress further in their education journey, and become exposed to people from backgrounds that are even more diverse.
Birthday blues in primary schools
Some parents insist on gifts and sweet treats but schools prefer no-frills events
By Yuen Sin, The Straits Times, 18 Apr 2017
No goodie bags, no sweet treats and no gifts. Instead, a simple birthday song sung in class should suffice.
Some primary schools are laying down the law on birthday festivities in schools, saying they should be kept to "no frills" celebrations.
This, they say, will curb concerns about food allergies and the consumption of junk food. Just as important, it prevents pupils from making comparisons between the haves and the have-nots.
The Straits Times found that at least six schools have issued such guidelines in recent years. They are: Dazhong Primary School, Pei Chun Public School, Geylang Methodist School (Primary), Oasis Primary School, Springdale Primary School and Riverside Primary School.
The Ministry of Education has no policy on the matter and allows individual schools to decide.
But some parents are unhappy about it, arguing that they celebrated their children's birthdays in pre-school and that they should be allowed to continue the custom in primary school.
MANY REASONS FOR SAYING 'NO' TO PARTIES
Housewife Betha Bhanu Valli Kalyani, 36, who has a son in Primary 2 in Springdale Primary, used to mark birthdays with him in pre-school by distributing goodie bags containing toys and tidbits to his classmates, in addition to ordering balloons and a cake.
"A birthday rolls around only once a year, and he used to have celebrations in kindergarten, so I don't see why he is not allowed to do so now," she said.
Ms Geraldine Tan, 41, who has a son in Primary 2 at Holy Innocents' Primary School, said his school does not discourage such celebrations. Making comparisons "is part and parcel of life, and shielding children from that is a little excessive", said Ms Tan, who is self-employed.
But the schools say that they have their reasons for saying no.
In a circular sent to parents in January, Oasis Primary in Punggol told parents not to organise birthday celebrations within the school.
As these celebrations "invariably involve food", there are concerns that this may trigger food allergies, principal, Mrs Ong-Chew Lu See, wrote in the circular.
"There is also a concern that the pupils will start to compare between the haves and the have-nots. While we want our students to build quality relationships within the class, we do not want to encourage comparison among them," she added.
That same month, Springdale Primary in Sengkang also told parents to avoid giving birthday goodie bags or gifts to other pupils in school, after receiving feedback from parents.
Some parents insist on gifts and sweet treats but schools prefer no-frills events
By Yuen Sin, The Straits Times, 18 Apr 2017
No goodie bags, no sweet treats and no gifts. Instead, a simple birthday song sung in class should suffice.
Some primary schools are laying down the law on birthday festivities in schools, saying they should be kept to "no frills" celebrations.
This, they say, will curb concerns about food allergies and the consumption of junk food. Just as important, it prevents pupils from making comparisons between the haves and the have-nots.
The Straits Times found that at least six schools have issued such guidelines in recent years. They are: Dazhong Primary School, Pei Chun Public School, Geylang Methodist School (Primary), Oasis Primary School, Springdale Primary School and Riverside Primary School.
The Ministry of Education has no policy on the matter and allows individual schools to decide.
But some parents are unhappy about it, arguing that they celebrated their children's birthdays in pre-school and that they should be allowed to continue the custom in primary school.
MANY REASONS FOR SAYING 'NO' TO PARTIES
Housewife Betha Bhanu Valli Kalyani, 36, who has a son in Primary 2 in Springdale Primary, used to mark birthdays with him in pre-school by distributing goodie bags containing toys and tidbits to his classmates, in addition to ordering balloons and a cake.
"A birthday rolls around only once a year, and he used to have celebrations in kindergarten, so I don't see why he is not allowed to do so now," she said.
Ms Geraldine Tan, 41, who has a son in Primary 2 at Holy Innocents' Primary School, said his school does not discourage such celebrations. Making comparisons "is part and parcel of life, and shielding children from that is a little excessive", said Ms Tan, who is self-employed.
But the schools say that they have their reasons for saying no.
In a circular sent to parents in January, Oasis Primary in Punggol told parents not to organise birthday celebrations within the school.
As these celebrations "invariably involve food", there are concerns that this may trigger food allergies, principal, Mrs Ong-Chew Lu See, wrote in the circular.
"There is also a concern that the pupils will start to compare between the haves and the have-nots. While we want our students to build quality relationships within the class, we do not want to encourage comparison among them," she added.
That same month, Springdale Primary in Sengkang also told parents to avoid giving birthday goodie bags or gifts to other pupils in school, after receiving feedback from parents.
Such guidelines have been in place at Riverside Primary in Woodlands since it opened in 2013. Instead of celebrating through cakes, gift packs or other items which are brought to school, pupils' birthdays will be marked through "simple and meaningful" practices like singing a birthday song in class, the school said.
Birthday celebrations do not come cheap.
Advertisements for pre-school birthday celebrations quote prices of around $400 for a party for 20 children, including decorations like bunting and personalised party favours. In addition to stationery sets and cupcakes that feature popular cartoon characters, some services even offer customised story books with characters named after each child that will receive the book.
Riverside Primary's principal Sharon Siew said parents have largely approved of the guideline on simple birthday celebrations, which promotes a healthy lifestyle by reducing the junk food that pupils consume, and cultivates a "culture of simplicity and appreciation", she said.
"Some parents show their love by wanting to celebrate their birthdays in a bigger way, but others love their children in simpler ways... Parents have said that this avoids comparison (of material wealth) among pupils," she told The Straits Times.
Civil servant Nur Azlina, 36, who has a daughter in Primary 2 and son in Primary 1 in Riverside Primary, likes the school's "no frills" stance.
She recounted how her son's classmate had given out customised pencil cases inscribed with the name of each child during a birthday party in kindergarten, and he had asked her if they could do something similar for his birthday.
Birthday celebrations do not come cheap.
Advertisements for pre-school birthday celebrations quote prices of around $400 for a party for 20 children, including decorations like bunting and personalised party favours. In addition to stationery sets and cupcakes that feature popular cartoon characters, some services even offer customised story books with characters named after each child that will receive the book.
Riverside Primary's principal Sharon Siew said parents have largely approved of the guideline on simple birthday celebrations, which promotes a healthy lifestyle by reducing the junk food that pupils consume, and cultivates a "culture of simplicity and appreciation", she said.
"Some parents show their love by wanting to celebrate their birthdays in a bigger way, but others love their children in simpler ways... Parents have said that this avoids comparison (of material wealth) among pupils," she told The Straits Times.
Civil servant Nur Azlina, 36, who has a daughter in Primary 2 and son in Primary 1 in Riverside Primary, likes the school's "no frills" stance.
She recounted how her son's classmate had given out customised pencil cases inscribed with the name of each child during a birthday party in kindergarten, and he had asked her if they could do something similar for his birthday.
"Children already start making comparisons at a young age and it makes things difficult for parents who come from different family backgrounds," said Madam Azlina.
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