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SINGAPORE : Education experts say the transition from pre-school to Primary One may cause children some problems in social adjustment.
They include bullying behaviour, which was highlighted by Member of Parliament Lily Neo in Parliament last month.
And experts say these problems are often overlooked by parents.
Going from pre-school to Primary One can be a nerve-wrecking experience.
Classes are bigger, the environment is unfamiliar, and children have to be more independent. And not all can cope with the changes well.
Experts say difficulty in adjusting may lead to anti-social behaviour, including bullying.
Dr Chan Lin Ho, Director of RTRC Asia, said: "Parents can talk to their kids regularly. Besides asking, "Is there any homework, what did you learn today?", it is also important to talk about "Who are your friends, did you make any new friends?"
"I think when you start talking to your child in such a way, you get a sense of whether your child is happy or your child has some struggles."
At a recent talk for parents on preparing their children for Primary One, many agreed that open communication was important.
Er Kambujasari Haron, a parent, said: ""My father is going to come and slap your face." If a kid says that kind of remark or, "If you don't do this for me, I'm going to do something bad to you". If in that kind of situation, I have to let her know, "You need to go to your teachers. You need to tell them right away, and not keep it within themselves.""
Stephanie Lee, a parent, said: "I expect my pre-school to prepare my child for bullying instances, but, as a parent, I think we have to play a part as well."
But while bullying has become an increasingly recognised issue in schools, it was not foremost on the minds of most parents who were interviewed.
Nadiyah Kamsani, a parent, said: "In terms of academic, and also being independent, especially buying of food and counting the money. That's actually the biggest concern for me."
Lua Hwa Chong, a parent, said: "In Singapore, maybe there is not so much bullying. But there are cases, and evidence that there are bullies in the school. So, I guess, as a parent, definitely we will be worried."
Experts say parents should keep regular contact with schools, so they can identify social problems even before they arise. - CNA/de
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