Singapore to strengthen protection of children and youth in mosques
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) will develop a unified child and youth safeguarding framework for the country’s mosques. It will provide common safety principles, responsibilities for mosque personnel, and clear reporting and escalation procedures should concerns arise.
As Channel NewsAsia reports, the new measures are being introduced following a case of sexual abuse involving young children at a mosque. A 37-year-old Singaporean who described himself as a religious mentor was convicted in the case in mid-August. He was not an accredited religious teacher.
Training and inspections
The new framework will be implemented gradually. Mosque staff and volunteers will be trained to recognize signs of abuse or neglect, respond appropriately to reports, observe professional boundaries, and fulfil their duties to safeguard minors.
MUIS also plans to standardize documentation, reporting procedures, and the timely escalation of concerns. The council will strengthen oversight of informal gatherings involving minors: it will monitor regular mentoring or educational activities, conduct inspections where necessary, and intervene in cases of possible unauthorized teaching or breaches of professional boundaries.
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Periodic audits and unannounced inspections involving district offices are planned. They will cover physical safety at mosques, including lighting, visibility of premises, video surveillance coverage, and information signs.
Work with children and parents
The council also intends to strengthen education for children, youth, and parents. Materials on safe behaviour have already been introduced for students in the aLIVE educational programme to help them recognize inappropriate or dangerous actions, respond properly, and turn to a trusted adult. Age-appropriate infographics will also be distributed to students.
Parents will be provided with materials on warning signs, discussing personal safety with children, online dangers, and ways to report a problem or get help. Teachers will be trained to respond to disclosures and incidents in accordance with established procedures.
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad said that mosques should be places where young people can pray, learn, meet friends, and feel safe.
