Boy, 10, hurt after attack by school bully

It started when his schoolbag went missing.

Six months later, Eddy (not his real name) was sprayed with soya sauce, called names and kicked several times.

Eddy, 10, is a Primary 5 pupil at a school in the west.

He told The New Paper that his ordeal began when his schoolbag went missing from his classroom between lessons last September.

The bullying got worse in March this year when a Primary 6 boy called him names before repeatedly kicking him.

The attack left a large bruise on his left upper arm.

Singapore

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According to the Singapore Children's Society's Bully-Free website, one in five primary school pupils has been a victim of bullying. 

Speaking to TNP in his flat, Eddy said he had gone for his mother tongue class in another room when his bag disappeared.

He said: "I was worried as the bag and its contents cost about $150 in all. I looked for it everywhere, but it was nowhere to be found."When his mother, who wanted to be known only as Madam Ann, 47, found out about the missing bag, she alerted one of his teachers.

The housewife decided to let the matter rest when two prefects found the bag at an open-air balcony on the fourth storey of the school the next day.

Eddy said: "I was relieved, but my bag was wet as it had rained the night before. Nothing was missing or damaged as my bag was closed. Until now, I still don't know who had taken it."

In March this year, while walking home at around 3.30pm. Eddy stopped to chat with two Primary 5 boys at a traffic light junction.

He said a Primary 6 boy who was with them suddenly threatened to squirt him with his "pepper spray".

Eddy said: "I jokingly stuck out my tongue at him. He took out a small bottle and sprayed some liquid on my face. I tasted it and found that it was soya sauce.

"The boy was laughing when he did that so I thought he was just joking."

But matters took a serious turn when he encountered the boy and another Primary 6 pupil on March 29.

The boy called him names, and refused to stop despite Eddy's protests.

Eddy said: "He also threatened to call his friends down to beat me up if I made him angry."

FOLLOWED

Eddy ignored him and left for a nearby 7-Eleven store but noticed the two boys following him.

When he entered the store, he held onto the doors to prevent them from entering but failed.

As he was making payment, the bully suddenly kicked him on his right thigh.

He said he did not retaliate and walked to a nearby bus stop.

The bully followed him and continued kicking his thighs. Unable to take the abuse, Eddy cried.

While he was at the bus stop, the boy ran towards him and kicked him hard on his left upper arm.

Two schoolmates nearby tried to stop them, but the bully and his friend also punched them, Eddy said.

When his bus showed up a minute later, Eddy got in and wept all the way home.

Madam Ann was furious to find out about the bullying and called the school to speak to a teacher.

Eddy made a police report the next day. The police confirmed the report.

Madam Ann said they reported the matter to the police because she was worried that Eddy would be assaulted again.

Eddy was given two days' medical leave by KK Women's and Children's Hospital.

Responding to TNP's queries, the school principal said: "We are aware of the incident and have spoken to the parents and students involved. The school will continue to monitor and follow up with the students involved."

On Sunday, Madam Ann told TNP that a teacher had assured Eddy that he will be safe, both in school and outside.

She added: "My son told me that the bully has apologised to him. His teachers have assured me that my son can approach them if he is bullied again, and I'm glad."

Eddy, who does not want to transfer to another school, said: "I have lots of friends here. I also know my mother and teachers are looking out for me."