School-based Programmes to Train School Staff to Routinely Ask Children and Young People about Their Safety and Well-being

Assoc Prof Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Education in light of the September 2024 Domestic Violence Trends Report, what school-based programmes are in place to train school staff about the importance of routinely asking children and young people about their safety and well-being, in addition to children and young people self-reporting such concerns.

The safety and well-being of students are of utmost importance to schools. Teachers check on their students' well-being regularly, such as during termly check-in and daily interactions. Additionally, teachers are trained to use the Ministry of Social and Family Development's Sector-Specific Screening Guide to assess any suspected case of child abuse and neglect in consultation with their school leaders, counsellors and student welfare officers. Schools report suspected abuse cases to the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline and provide ongoing monitoring and support for affected students. Through Character and Citizenship Education lessons, students learn about personal safety and self-protection, and are taught to seek help from trusted adults when their personal safety is at risk.