Long-term Monitoring of Children and Youths who Have Experienced Sudden Death of Peers

4 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Education (Schools) whether there are long-term follow-up measures in schools to monitor the emotional and mental state of children and youths who have experienced sudden death of their peers.

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education (Ms Low Yen Ling) (for the Minister for Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, when a death occurs, school teachers and school counsellors will identify and attend to students who are affected immediately. Schools also work closely with the parents of the affected students and share with them how they can provide emotional support for their children.

Teachers continue to monitor the well-being of the students and look out for signs of distress. The students are taught coping strategies and encouraged to seek help. Peers are also reminded to look out for and support one another. If teachers or parents find that the students require further support, they will refer the students to the school counsellor. All school counsellors are equipped with the knowledge and skills to help students cope with grief and loss.

If the students continue to show signs of distress or have difficulty coping, they will be referred for follow-up with medical professionals.

Mr Speaker: Ms Joan Pereira.

Ms Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar): I thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the reply. I have one supplementary question. May I know how much information or the sudden death situation is shared with the teachers? I ask this because unless the teachers have sufficient information, they will be less equipped to support our children, our youths in overcoming the trauma.

Ms Low Yen Ling: Mr Speaker, I want to thank the Member Ms Joan Perera for her supplementary question. When the sudden death of a student occurs, the principal will ascertain the facts of the incident before breaking the news to the staff as soon as possible. I would like to assure Ms Joan Pereira that the teachers will be provided with key information of the case and will be briefed.

An example of the steps that schools have already taken would be reaching out to the bereaved family. A second example is what are the additional steps that the school will take. For example, how do they intend to break the news to the affected students, making arrangements to assist students, staff and teachers to attend the wake. Another thing that the teachers will be supported in terms of information is that schools will advise the teachers to direct any queries from the parents or the members of the public to the principal or designated staff. Teachers will also be prepped for possible reactions and they will be advised on how they can better support students.

It may be likely that the principal and staff may not have all the relevant information at the first meeting. But I want to assure Ms Joan Pereira that information will be updated and shared as and when available. This is important to ensure that the principal, staff and teachers in school will have the information at hand to counter or even dispel any rumours or misinformation. The teachers can also use this information to look out for students, watch out for affected students, and refer students who need additional support for help.