Schools counselling for students on 'performance-enhancement' substances

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Darryl David, Ang Mo Kio GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (Schools) what steps are taken by schools and tertiary institutions to counsel their students with regard to the taking of pharmaceutical products containing modafinil or methylphenidate which are perceived as "performance-enhancement" substances.

Response

1. Our schools and Post-Secondary Education Institutions (PSEIs) will step up efforts to educate students on the side effects of “performance-enhancement” substances and remind them of possible consequences and the need to make responsible decisions.

2. Our teachers also work with their students to manage their expectations with respect to their performance in schools. They help students with their goal setting process, where they set appropriate targets and determine actions to achieve them based on sound values. At PSEIs, counsellors are also trained to explore positive strategies with students to manage their school performance.

3. With our current emphasis on peer support, groups of students are equipped to watch out for their classmates and friends and help those they notice have unhealthy behaviours to think through their decisions responsibly and to seek help or alert a trusted adult.

4. Schools also work closely with parents to identify students who may be misusing such substances and refer them for counselling or other additional support.