Update on Impact of Holistic Health Framework in Primary and Secondary Schools
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Darryl David’s inquiry into the Holistic Health Framework's impact on student weight management and the prevention of stigmatization. Minister Chan Chun Sing stated that schools utilize journaling and goal setting to improve students' BMI while referring severe cases to the Health Promotion Board. He noted that the proportion of overweight students remained stable at 11% to 13% for a decade, though it recently rose to 16% during COVID-19. To protect student well-being, the Character and Citizenship Education curriculum builds positive body image and self-esteem through sensitive and discreet engagement. These combined efforts ensure students acquire the skills for active lifestyles while receiving necessary support for growth and healthy habit development.
Transcript
57 Mr Darryl David asked the Minister for Education (a) whether he can provide an update on the impact of the Holistic Health Framework (HHF) in Primary and Secondary schools; (b) how has the HHF benefited students' with weight management issues; and (c) how have students’ weight management matters been handled to avoid embarrassment or stigmatisation to those students.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: The Holistic Health Framework aims to improve the overall well-being of students and encourage them to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. All students are given the opportunity through Physical Education lessons to acquire knowledge and skills to lead a healthy lifestyle and sustain it even after they leave school.
Students outside the healthy range for physical growth are supported by the school to adopt healthier behaviours using strategies, such as journaling, goal setting and action planning in physical activities and nutrition, to bring about gradual improvement in their Body Mass Index (BMI). Schools also partner parents on developing healthy habits in their children. Students who are severely overweight or severely underweight are referred to Health Promotion Board's Student Health Centre for medical screening and counselling.
In our survey with students, many reported practising the healthy habits they were taught. The proportion of students in our schools who were overweight remained stable in the past 10 years at between 11% and 13%, with the exception of the last two years when it increased to 16% due to the impact of COVID-19 on opportunities for physical activities. This proportion remains low, compared to many other countries.
Our Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum equips students with an understanding of the developmental changes they will experience, as well as the knowledge and skills to build a positive body image and healthy self-esteem. Engagement of students on weight management matters is done with sensitivity and discretion, to support not just the building of an active lifestyle, but also a positive self-image.