Steps Taken to Increase Mental Health Literacy and Support in Schools and Higher Education Institutions

Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Education (a) considering that suicide remains the leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 29, what steps are being taken to increase mental health literacy and support in schools and higher education institutions; and (b) how are educators trained to recognise and respond to signs of mental distress among students.

The Ministry of Education has strengthened mental health education and support measures over the years. It is one of the key features of the refreshed Character and Citizenship Education curriculum, implemented from primary to pre-university levels. Building on these efforts, the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) also avail a range of mental well-being programmes and activities, including modules and workshops on mental health, to all IHL students. Through these lessons and programmes, students are equipped with baseline knowledge and skills, such as emotional regulation and differentiating normal stress from distress or mental illnesses, so that they are better able to manage challenges and remain resilient.

Educators work in partnership with parents, as part of the ecosystem of support for students in our schools and IHLs. They are trained to identify signs of distress and symptoms of common mental illnesses and to provide early support to students expressing mental health concerns. This includes checking in on their students, encouraging help-seeking and referring these students to school and IHL counsellors as well as hospital and community resources if more targeted interventions are needed.