Inclusion of Gender-specific Considerations in Guidelines on Parental Consent for Minor Mental Health Services in View of Higher Rates of Anxiety and Depression Among Adolescent Girls

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the expert group developing guidelines on parental consent for minors accessing mental health services has reviewed or collected evidence on gender differences in adolescents' help seeking behaviour; and (b) how these guidelines will take into account the higher reported rates of anxiety and depression among adolescent girls.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The guidelines are intended to guide care professionals in their provision of mental health services to young persons regardless of their gender and mental health symptoms. The guidelines aim to balance timely access to mental health support and ensuring parental involvement, while putting in place safeguards to keep young persons safe.