As places where most teens spend the bulk of the time, schools have in place various progrrammes to help young people who are troubled. A Ministry of Education (MOE) spokesman told The Sunday Times that schools work with parents and the community to provide networks of support in the home, school and community settings.
The spokesman said that teachers are taught to identify students who show signs of distress and to provide basic counselling support. Student can also help their peers. For example, at Holy nnocents' High School, care representatives are appointed in every class to watch out for classmates who might be emotionally disturbed, anxious or stressed. They also encourage their peers to seek help and serve as mediators when needed.
What schools are doing to help distress young people has come under the spotlight after it was reported that suicides among those aged 10 to 19 hit a 15 year high last year. MOE also works closely with the Ministry of Social and Family Development and other agencies to provide support to parents. This can come in the form of talks and workshops to share tips with parents on how to support their children's social and emotional development, and help them build resilience in their children.
Making students aware of mental health issues is important because they can help support distressed peers appropriately. Ms Lee Yi Ping, senior youth support worker for the Community Health Assessment Team, a national outreach and mental health check programme under IMH, said eight in 10 successful suicides have prior warnings. Many young people prefer to confide in their friends, who may not have the maturity to deal with such issues, she said. 'As friends of youth who have suicidal thoughts, they should focus on being supportive and provide a listening ear instead of coming up with solutions for the problems. They need to help their distressed friend seek help by approaching a trusted adult such as a parent, teacher, counsellor, or other professionals.'
Thoughts anyone?
Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big
No comments:
Post a Comment