Training for Educators and School Counsellors on Mental Health Assessment of Students

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked the Acting Minister for Education (Schools) whether there is training provided for school teachers, educators and school counsellors on recognition and initial handling of psychological and mental health-related presentations amongst students.

The Acting Minister for Education (Schools) (Mr Ng Chee Meng): Mdm Speaker, yes, our teachers and school counsellors are equipped to help students in the psychological and mental health-related domains.

Mdm Speaker: Acting Minister, do you wish to take the two questions together?

Mr Ng Chee Meng: I will just take this one.

Mdm Speaker: Are you taking Question Nos 20 and 21 together?

Mr Ng Chee Meng: I am taking Question No 20 only.

Mdm Speaker: Okay.

Mr Ng Chee Meng: If I may continue, yes, our teachers and school counsellors are equipped to help students in the psychological and mental health-related domains.

Teachers are the first line of contact for all students. We have therefore equipped them with the competencies to carry out three specific roles.

First, teachers establish amongst classmates a culture of mutual care and support and teach students life skills to improve their emotional resilience.

Second, teachers recognise common distress signals and identify students who need help. These signals include poor attention, social withdrawal, mood changes, aggression or any behaviour that is uncharacteristic of a student.

Third, teachers engage with such students to understand their issues and provide care and support.

For complex cases requiring more extensive support, teachers will refer students to school counsellors. All school counsellors have professional qualifications in counselling. They provide interventions for psychological and mental health-related issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems and suicidal behaviours. School counsellors will refer the more severe cases to medical professionals for treatment.