Supporting students to manage academic and life stressors

We thank youth forum letter writer Ms Xu Ya Rou for sharing the challenges she encountered and her views on coping with academic pressure ("为课业时常感到疲惫不堪, Sep 4").

The Ministry of Education (MOE) acknowledges that our youths face pressures on many fronts, and is committed to developing our students holistically, including strengthening their mental well-being and resilience.

To this end, MOE has introduced mental health education lessons, where students learn about healthy mindsets, habits and skills to strengthen their mental well-being, and how to be resilient in the face of challenges. Students are taught strategies such as deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, as well as how to recognise signs of distress and when to seek help. Whilst online gaming in moderation can offer some stress-relief, we encourage students to exercise, form good sleep habits and pick up hobbies for healthy relaxation.

Schools have an ecosystem of support in place to support students' mental well-being. Besides teachers who provide a listening ear to students, all schools have trained counsellors to support students who require additional help. There are also peer support efforts to equip students to look out for one another. We encourage Ms Xu to reach out to her family, teachers and schoolmates when needed.

MOE and schools will continue to work closely with parents to support our students in developing healthy mindsets and coping strategies, so that they will grow up to become resilient, confident and contributing citizens.

Ms Loh Wee Cheng
Divisional Director, Student Development Curriculum Division 1
Ministry of Education

帮助学生应对学习和生活压力

谨答复《联合早报·交流站·青年视角》于9月4日刊登的许雅柔同学投函《为课业时常感到疲惫不堪》：

我们感谢许同学就所遇到的挑战，以及应对学业压力发表看法。

教育部知道，青少年面对多方面的压力，因此特别注重学生的全面发展，包括加强他们的心理健康和韧性。

为此，教育部推出心理健康教育课程，让学生培养健康的心态、习惯和技能，以加强他们的心理健康，以及如何在面对挑战时保持韧性。学生在课程中学习深呼吸练习和放松技巧等方法，以及如何识别心理问题和何时寻求帮助。虽然适度的网络游戏可缓解一些压力，但我们鼓励学生锻炼身体，养成良好的睡眠习惯，并培养可放松身心的兴趣和爱好。

每所学校都有为学生心理健康提供支援的互助生态系统。除了倾听学生心声的教师之外，每所学校都有经过培训的辅导员，为需要额外帮助的学生提供支援。此外，学校也推行同侪互相活动，让学生能够互相照顾，我们鼓励许同学在需要时，向家人、教师和同学求助。

教育部和学校会继续与家长密切合作，帮助学生培养健康的心态和应对方法，让他们长大后，成为坚韧、自信和有贡献的公民。

卢炜桢
教育部学生发展课程司(第一司)统筹司长

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