Regular and Comprehensive Programme to Fight Prejudices and Stigmatisation of Mental Well-being in Secondary Schools

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 IMH-led study also noted that 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.

MOE leverages the Character and Citizenship Education, school-based conversations and student learning resources to raise awareness and de-stigmatise 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.