How Online School Can Be a Fresh Start for Bullied, Anxious Students

Every week at CGA, we speak to parents in Singapore who never expected to enrol their child in an online school. Yet, persistent bullying or anxiety often leads families to seek a fresh start.

For many students, online school provides a safe haven from these challenges, offering a path to academic success and emotional well-being.

Traditional Approaches to Bullying and Anxiety

When we talk to parents of bullied or anxious students, we hear familiar stories of attempts to address the issue. These often include:

• Encouraging their child to ignore bullies or to be brave—often with the reassurance that it’s “just a phase” that will pass.
• Speaking to the school about anti-bullying policies or efforts to minimise anxiety triggers.
• Consulting an educational psychologist or counsellor for strategies to build resilience.
• Moving schools, only to find that the bullying or anxiety returns.

For CGA students like Ollie Lewis, these strategies didn’t work. The real change came when he left traditional schools to have more control over his social environment and learning experience.

How to Know When It’s Time to Move to Online Learning

If COVID lockdowns taught us anything, it’s that not all students thrive in traditional school settings. CGA’s approach to learning has earned it recognition as a top-three finalist in the World’s Best Schools Prize for Innovation and has attracted students from over 50 countries. Our students have diverse goals—some are top athletes and performers, others aspire to Ivy League admissions, and many simply seek a supportive environment where they can complete their education successfully. The assumption that all children should enjoy being surrounded by hundreds of peers isn’t always true—especially for those who have experienced bullying or struggle with anxiety.

That said, moving to an online school can feel like a big step. Common concerns include:

• The time, effort, and expense already invested in securing a spot at a school.
• Worries about losing contact with friends.
• Uncertainty about what online school will actually be like.

Unfortunately, these concerns often lead parents to make the biggest mistake: staying in a harmful environment and hoping things will improve.

CGA’s counsellor, Jan Blair, offers simple advice: “Once a child associates strong negative emotions with school, it’s very difficult to turn things around. You can seek professional help, and schools may offer support, but if your child is consistently unhappy—even for just two or three weeks—it’s time to explore alternatives.”

CGA Admissions Officer Alex Cork understands how difficult this decision can be. “When I speak to parents of bullied or anxious children, they often feel as though they’ve failed. But the fact that they’re seeking alternatives is actually a positive step—it shows they’re listening to their child and prioritising their well-being.”

The Social Side and Support at CGA

Many parents worry that while an online school might provide much-needed relief, it could also limit their child’s social opportunities. However, CGA has a vibrant and supportive community.

CGA graduate Jade, originally from New Zealand and now studying at Princeton, shares her advice for new students:

“Moving to online learning takes some adjustment. It can feel uncomfortable at first, but stick with it—you’ll soon love the experience!

Engage with the CGA community—it’s an incredible support system. Introduce yourself on Teams, message someone, join events, or start a conversation in breakout rooms. It might feel intimidating, but CGA is full of friendly, caring, and inspiring people who will welcome you with open arms.

It’s also important to stay connected to your local community, whether that’s through extracurriculars or by keeping in touch with friends. Online school is great but it’s good to take a break, and some things are only possible in-person, so you’re opening yourself to a broader range of experiences! If you’re worried about losing friendships, take the initiative to stay in touch. Even better, taking the initiative means you can socialise on your own terms - you’re not constantly surrounded by others, so you can take time to yourself as needed, then reach out when you’re ready.

And most importantly—don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s academics, social life, or personal challenges, your teachers, deans, and school counsellors are there to support you.”

Students like 16-year-old Felix, who is neurodiverse, have thrived since coming to CGA. His mum says, "Since joining CGA, Felix’s life has changed considerably. He loves learning again, he’s made friends, and he’s excited to attend his classes. He’s just much happier in himself."

For out-of-class socialisation, CGA full-time students can get involved in the school’s extracurricular activities, and many also join a local club or organisation.

Is CGA Right for Your Child?

If you’re wondering whether CGA could be a good fit, we offer late enrollments for group classes in early high school and can start 1-to-1 classes at any time. If you have any hesitations, students can start with our after-school classes to see if CGA works for them before transitioning to full-time enrolment.

Request a meeting with our Admissions team to discuss your child’s situation and explore the best plan moving forward.