WHY Hurt Children Hurt Children
BY EVERYCHILD.SG
In Singapore, emotional harm sounds like discipline.
Rough hands, harsh words.
It looks like normal parenting. It leaves no bruises.
But its effects can echo for decades.
Why does this matter now?
We are raising children in high-pressured environments.
Performance, obedience, comparison, achievement.
Yet conversations about harm still focus on what can be seen – not what can be felt.
The absence of physical injury has allowed emotional harm to be minimised, excused, misunderstood.
Why Hurt Children Hurt Children invites you to step inside that story, and ask for a commitment to break the cycle.
Why Hurt Children Hurt Children’ aims to break the silence on emotional harm passed unknowingly through generations. With nearly half of Singaporeans having experienced childhood emotional neglect – costing our society over a billion dollars annually – we must acknowledge how ‘hurt children’ grow up to hurt others. At EveryChild.SG, we believe healing begins when we choose awareness over habit, and compassion over silence, so our children can truly grow up safe, supported and loved.
What to expect
The Black Box will prepare and support visitors through the experience, with 3 distinct zones.
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1
Preparation Zone
The Preparation Zone will allow them a moment to understand the emotional tone of the experience before they choose to proceed when they feel ready.
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2
Silent Spaces Film Zone
The Silent Spaces Film Zone, features an original 2 minute film that tells the story of a day in the life of a child who is constantly being bullied and in distress.
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3
Decompression Zone
Visitors are then welcomed into the Decompression Zone providing a quiet zone for visitors to process what they have seen and felt.
Visitor Information
What
Why Hurt Children Hurt Children —
The Black Box Installation
Where
One Punggol
Celebration Square,
Zone 2,
1 Punggol Dr., Singapore 828629
When
23 – 31 May 2026, 10am – 8pm
Admission
Free and open to the public
PG13 Advisory
Please be advised that this installation contains themes relating to emotional harm, childhood trauma, and intergenerational cycles of abuse. Content may be distressing for some visitors. Recommended for ages 13 and above. Parental guidance is advised for younger visitors.
Age recommendation
13 and above
Sign up for Dr Shefali's event to empower yourself and break the cycle of intergenerational trauma harm:
Helplines:
Tinkle Friend toll-free helpline:
1800 2744 788 (for 13 years and below)
Samaritans of Singapore:
24-hour Hotline: 1767,
24-hour CareText: 9151 1767 (via WhatsApp)
Singapore Association of Mental Health toll-free helpline:
1800-283-7019
Mindline 24-hour Hotline:
1771