Guidance to Schools to Encourage Students to Speak up about School-related Issues through Appropriate Channels

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Education (a) will the Ministry issue clear guidance to schools on how to encourage students to speak up about school-related issues through appropriate channels, including discussions with teachers, parents, or on social media; and (b) to ensure that students are not discouraged or penalised by teachers for respectfully expressing concerns or views publicly in the public interest.

Mr Desmond Lee: Schools are safe spaces for students to learn to express their views respectfully and constructively. The Ministry of Education provides schools with guidance on ways to build a positive culture that encourages student voice and provide platforms to allow students to discuss issues with School Leaders, teachers, student leaders and their peers. Schools have the autonomy to decide on the appropriate approaches to take. These could include dialogues, focus group discussions and online channels, like surveys or forums.

Students will not be discouraged from nor penalised for expressing their views respectfully and constructively.