Updated School Protocols for Suicide Postvention Response and Trauma Management

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Education (a) what are the specific updated protocols developed or implemented in schools when suicide situations arise; and (b) what are the postvention procedures that have been developed to ensure timely, sustained and trauma-informed support are available for affected students and staff after the occurrence of a death by suicide.

Mr Desmond Lee: Every suicide case is a tragedy and we take suicide prevention, intervention and postvention support very seriously. Following a student death where suicide is suspected, the school's CARE (Caring Actions in Support of an Emergency) teams identify and help affected staff and students cope with the psychological distress. These CARE teams comprise specially-trained teachers, school counsellors and Ministry of Education (MOE) HQ personnel.

When students close to the deceased are informed of the death, they are given emotional support and guided to seek help from trusted adults. Parents of the affected students are informed about the passing of the student, but this is done sensitively and without details. These parents are provided with relevant resources to monitor and support their children. To protect the bereaved families' privacy, we do not disclose details of the passing. We urge students and staff not to speculate on the cause of death. Schools monitor affected students for potential contagion and intervene where necessary.

School staff who are affected can access MOE counselling services by trained professionals.