Only 10% of Singaporean Students Use School Counselling: Why and What to Do?

Singaporean Schools Face Youth Mental Health Challenge: Only 10% Utilize Counselling Services Singapore is facing a concerning trend in youth mental health, with a recent panel discussion revealing that only 10% of students utilize available school counselling services. This alarming statistic highlights a significant gap in access and engagement with mental health support for young people. The discussion, which included students and a representative from the Ministry of Education, explored potential reasons for this low uptake. One student participant shared, "Some people, they might not want to go for it, even though there are talks and everything. I don’t think students will really listen to them." This sentiment underscores the challenge of overcoming stigma and encouraging students to seek help. The panel also discussed the need for a more informal approach to engaging younger generations. Another student suggested, "I think we should approach the younger generation with a much more informal standpoint." This highlights the importance of creating a comfortable and non-judgmental environment where students feel safe seeking support. The discussion concluded with a call for increased awareness and a more proactive approach to mental health support in schools. The low utilization rate serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the need for innovative strategies to ensure that all students have access to the mental health resources they need.