Awareness of Problems of Gambling in Schools

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Education if his Ministry will include problems of gambling into the moral education syllabus of schools.

Mr Heng Swee Keat: In the current Civics and Moral Education syllabus, topics are organised around the core values of Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, Integrity, Care and Harmony. At both Primary and Secondary school levels, students are taught to make responsible decisions based on sound moral reasoning in topics such as Finance Management. At the upper Secondary school level, students are also taught to recognise the signs of addictions and skills to manage them. Since 2006, social-emotional learning has also been made integral to the school curriculum. Through this, students learn self-management − how to weigh options; think through consequences to themselves and others; and arrive at considered decisions.

MOE works closely with the National Council on Problem Gambling to educate students explicitly on problem gambling through targeted awareness and prevention programmes. Suitable approaches such as skits and comic strips for Primary, Secondary and post-Secondary students are employed. Schools have systems that identify and support students who are affected by issues related to problem gambling. School counsellors work with affected students to resolve the issues.

MOE is developing a core Character and Citizenship Education syllabus this year. We will ensure that key elements of the problem gambling awareness and prevention programmes continue to be given due emphasis in the new syllabus.

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