Support for students who have experienced sudden death of peers

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Ms Joan Pereira, Tanjong Pagar GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (Schools) whether there are long term follow up measures in schools to monitor the emotional and mental state of children and youths who have experienced sudden death of their peers.

Response

1. When a death occurs, school teachers and school counsellors will identify and attend to students who are affected immediately. Schools also work closely with the parents of the affected students and share with them how they can provide emotional support for their children.

2. Teachers continue to monitor the wellbeing of the students and look out for signs of distress. The students are taught coping strategies and encouraged to seek help. Peers are also reminded to look out for and support one another. If teachers or parents find that the students require further support, they would refer the students to the school counsellor. All school counsellors are equipped with the knowledge and skills to help students cope with grief and loss.

3. In the aftermath of the incident, schools will continue to monitor students and support students to return to normalcy. If the students continue to show signs of distress or have difficulty coping, they will be referred for follow up with medical professionals.