Programme to Fight Prejudices and Stigmatisation of Mental Well-being in Secondary Schools
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the implementation of regular programmes to combat mental health prejudices and stigmatisation in secondary schools, as raised by Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong. Minister for Education Ong Ye Kung stated that the Ministry of Education utilizes Character and Citizenship Education and school-based resources to raise awareness and destigmatise mental illness. Schools are currently strengthening social-emotional competencies, increasing peer support, and encouraging help-seeking behaviour through collaborations with parents and community partners. Furthermore, the Health Promotion Board conducts Mental Health Awareness Briefings for teachers and counsellors to improve their understanding and support strategies. These measures focus on fostering supportive relationships and ensuring that students with mental illnesses receive the necessary assistance and understanding.
Transcript
23 Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked the Minister for Education whether the Ministry will be planning a regular and comprehensive programme to fight prejudices and stigmatisation regarding mental well-being in secondary schools in light of the IMH-led study showing widespread negative perceptions of mental illness among teenage students.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Negative perceptions of mental illness can stem from the lack of awareness and understanding of mental health. The Institute of Mental Health-led study also noted that the majority of the students would reach out to, stand up for and support a classmate with mental illness, which is encouraging.
Mental illnesses are caused by a variety of factors. To support students with mental illnesses, schools have been stepping up efforts to nurture the social and emotional competencies of our students, strengthen supportive school relationships, increase peer support efforts and encourage help-seeking behaviour. We work closely with parents and community partners to strengthen mental well-being and reduce the stigma for those suffering from mental illnesses.
The Ministry of Education leverages the Character and Citizenship Education, school-based conversations and student learning resources to raise awareness and destigmatise mental illnesses.
The Health Promotion Board also provides Mental Health Awareness Briefings and resources for school counsellors and teachers. This enhances their understanding of mental health, its impact on students as well as strategies on how to support these students better.