School-based Support and Intervention Strategies for Students with Chronic Absenteeism and Academic Decline Linked to Excessive Gaming

Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for Education (a) how the schools identify students with gaming concerns; and (b) how the schools support students whose chronic absenteeism or academic decline is found to be linked to excessive gaming or screen use.

Mr Desmond Lee: The Ministry of Education's Cyber Wellness lessons emphasise the importance of maintaining a healthy balance of online and offline activities. This includes helping students recognise the signs of excessive gaming, the risks involved as well as ways to manage time spent on gaming.

Schools use a number of early indicators to identify students with gaming concerns. Besides referrals from teachers and peers, schools also regularly monitor their students' well-being, such as through termly check-in sessions to identify those requiring support.

To support students with attendance or academic issues arising from gaming, school counsellors and student welfare officers will intervene to address the underlying issues.

Parents play a key role in guiding and monitoring their child's online activities. Schools work closely with parents by sharing resources, expert insights and strategies to help them guide their child in the use of technology and devices.

When additional support is needed, schools work with parents to refer students to Social Service Agencies for early intervention or to the National Addiction Management Service under the Institute of Mental Health for specialised treatment. Community partners, like TOUCH Community Services, also provide counselling and intervention programmes for affected students.