Mindfulness and Other Techniques Taught in Schools for Students' Mental and Emotional Wellness

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Darryl David, Ang Mo Kio GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) whether mindfulness and other techniques to improve mental and emotional wellness are taught to students in schools; and (b) if so, how are such techniques taught.

Response

1. Across primary to pre-university levels, our Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum equips students with social-emotional competencies including self-awareness, emotional regulation, relationship management to build resilience. Mental health lessons in CCE cover coping strategies, managing negative thoughts, differentiating stress and distress, and help-seeking. While mindfulness is not in the curriculum, relevant practices such as breathing exercises and calming techniques are taught in the CCE lessons.
2. Outside classroom lessons, these knowledge and skills are reinforced through school experiences such as outdoor adventure camps, CCAs and daily interactions where students apply what they have learnt in real-life situations.