Students Identified by Counsellors or Teachers to be Vulnerable to Extremist Propaganda

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Education (Schools) (a) in the past two years, how many students have been identified by counsellors or teachers to be vulnerable to extremist propaganda; (b) what action has been taken to help these students; and (c) whether there are plans to reach out to students to forewarn them of the pitfalls of online radicalism.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) works closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to strengthen and safeguard Singapore’s social fabric against the serious threats of radicalisation and extremism.

In schools, teachers and counsellors look out for students who show signs of possible influence of extremist propaganda. If there are concerns, we would take a precautionary approach and work closely with MHA to provide counselling support and ensure close monitoring of such students.

MOE seeks to educate students to be sensitive and socially responsible on racial and religious matters through the school curriculum in Social Studies and Character and Citizenship Education lessons. In schools, cyber wellness education helps students to be more discerning and aware of the negative influences of online information, and to make more informed and responsible decisions. Students are equipped with information literacy to verify the credibility of online content and information sources. Parents also play a crucial role in guiding and monitoring their children’s online activities to ensure that their children adopt the right values and attitudes.

All of us have a part to play in keeping radicalisation at bay. Schools and teachers work in partnership with parents and the wider community to instill the right values in students and to ensure that those vulnerable to the influence of extremist propaganda are detected early and given proper guidance and help.