Father confronts man allegedly approaching daughter at Thomson Plaza; Police investigate

SINGAPORE: A video showing a father confronting a man who allegedly attempted to approach his primary school-aged daughter while she was alone at Thomson Plaza went viral on social media earlier in November.

The video has since been reposted across multiple platforms, though the original post by TikTok user Busybeesingapore has been deleted.

Meanwhile, a screenshot shared online by the man’s mother claims that her son has autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and had previously sought professional help.

The woman also apologised to the parents of the nine-year-old girl for causing them distress.

According to The Straits Times, a state-owned media outlet, the police have confirmed that a report was filed and are currently speaking to a 30-year-old man in connection with the incident at Thomson Plaza.

Father confronts man after daughter reports inappropriate approach at Thomson Plaza

The TikTok video reveals that the father had left his nine-year-old daughter alone to play a claw machine in the mall’s arcade while he went to the washroom.

Upon his return, the daughter informed him that she had been approached by a man who asked for her phone number and told her to text or call him.

The father then returned to the arcade, where his daughter identified the man, leading to a confrontation.

In the video, the father can be heard demanding that the man delete his daughter’s phone number from his device. The father also discovered other messages on the man’s phone.

The post claimed, “He was talking to a few under-12 girls and asking questions that would make parents really uncomfortable.”

In the video, the father can be heard interrogating the man, who states that he had merely asked the girl for her name and phone number, and had invited her to call or message him.

“No motive, just making friends,” the man explains, adding that his friends “wanted to know.”

Upon further questioning, the man admits that he is currently under police investigation in connection with a sexual offence involving his “friend.”

“You are a concern to all parents, you understand?” the father responds, adding, “Little girls won’t be safe around you.”

The man then promised not to “make friends with young girls anymore” and agreed to delete his conversations with other girls on his phone.

A screenshot of the police report shared by ST confirmed that the father lodged a report on 5 November regarding the incident.

Man’s mother claims son’s behaviour linked to autism and ADHD

In a separate post shared on a parent WhatsApp group, a screengrab of a message purportedly from a woman claiming to be the man’s mother was circulated.

The message, which was also shared on Reddit, revealed that Janet, who identified herself as the man’s mother, stated that her son, John, has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD since a young age.

Janet explained that these conditions lead to rigid and impulsive behaviours, often resulting in misunderstandings and trouble.

She further claimed that John finds it difficult to maintain friendships with peers of his age and tends to gravitate toward younger children.

Janet attributed her son’s inappropriate communication with others to his exposure to internet/social media content, explaining that these behaviours stem partly from his difficulties with social interaction.

“One of his difficulty can be seen in the video, where John so easily gave out his personal details without considering the consequences of it.”

“If this were from a neurotypical person, he would have hide or lie or even try to run away. As a parent, this is a challenging child of mine and helping him to understand the world is a journey n experience. Give us time to manage his problems.”

Janet also stated that John has been unable to hold down a job due to sleep problems and other challenges, leaving him largely inactive over the past decade.

She apologised to the parents of the nine-year-old girl for the distress caused and urged people to stop circulating the video and allow the matter to be handled by the police and professionals.

“I fully understand that all parents will be concerned and anxious in that situation n the natural reaction to deal with it, ” the message concluded.

Reddit users debate John’s actions and the responsibility of his supervision

On Reddit, some comments acknowledged John’s mental health challenges but highlighted the potential threat his actions posed to young children, stressing that such behaviour could leave lasting trauma and that public safety should take precedence over individual needs.

Several users also criticised John’s mother for not adequately preparing or supervising him, given his history and age.

Some raised concern over John’s future, including who will help moderate or manage John’s behaviour in public in the absence of his parents, especially given his history of social and behavioral challenges.

While some recognised Janet’s right to protect her child, others emphasised that parents also have the right to safeguard their own children.

One comment highlighted the dilemma between strictly enforcing legal consequences and fostering open communication and mutual understanding to resolve such incidents.

It urged society to empathise with both sides, encouraging people to consider how they would respond if in the other party’s position.

A Redditor highlighted the challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PwD) and their families, particularly the “post-18 cliff,” where support often ceases after school graduation.

She emphasised the importance of understanding the diversity within Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and cautioned against oversimplifications. The Redditor also urged empathy for parents managing children with special needs, calling for grace and understanding rather than judgment.

Toh Yi Residents’ Network warns of suspicious man near school and playground

In July, a group of residents known as the Toh Yi Residents’ Network issued a notice alerting the community to a “suspicious” man in the area, claiming he is “often seen talking to young children.”

Describing the individual as a “bespectacled Chinese man” in his mid-30s, the Network reported that he had been spotted multiple times near Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School and the playground at Block 2 Toh Yi Drive.

The man was also allegedly seen following a young girl and her helper to their Housing Board block in the estate later that month.

The notice further stated that the police are aware of the situation and have stepped up patrols during school dismissal periods, advising residents to call 999 if they see any suspicious individuals.