The mental and emotional health of school children needs to be prioritised in Singapore, where there are frequently strong academic demands. In this article, we discuss the important tasks done by these leaders to promote good mental health among Singapore kids.
Roles Played by Peer Support Leaders in Empowering Student Wellbeing
The focus on student mental health needs to be continued as Singapore strives towards educational excellence; these calls for continued investment into peer support programmes as they become crucial in supporting young people’s mental well-being and resilience. (Crisp, et.al., 2020) These are the roles that these leaders play while empowering student well-being:
Creating a Supportive Environment
Peer supporters act as role models and empathic listeners so that school can be regarded as a “safe space” where students may freely express their thoughts or feelings. For instance, they avail themselves through group meetings led by peers which serve as an emotional support system helping each one of them to feel involved amongst themselves. (Chyu & Chen,2022)
Building Resilience
Mental health issues can arise due to academic stressors experienced while studying in highly competitive institutions such as those found in Singapore. To navigate effectively through such challenges, their peers depend upon them heavily since they equip their fellows with skills about coping with hardships like stress management mentorship leading into self-care activities.
Promoting Mental Health Awareness
Schools can promote mental health by integrating education and awareness programmes into the curriculum, implementing peer support initiatives, creating safe spaces for open discussions, and providing access to resources and support services. In addition to that, promoting self-care practises, offering staff training, reducing stigma through open dialogue, incorporating mental health considerations into school policies, and fostering a supportive environment will make students feel comfortable seeking help when needed. (Chyu & Chen,2022) Furthermore, by raising awareness, students are encouraged to seek help thereby contributing to a positive school community where every individual’s well-being is prioritised.
Providing Peer Support
Mainly, peer support leaders are tasked with providing help and assistance to their fellows. It entails things like listening to them, giving them motivation, or finding necessary resources and professional support which can be useful in resolving their problems ranging from academic pressures, interpersonal conflicts, and emotional challenges. By fostering a culture of peer support, they promote positive relationships and a sense of community within the school. (Crisp, et.al., 2020)
Training and Support
Comprehensive training programmes for primary and secondary school students are offered to equip peer support leaders with the requisite knowledge, skills, and resources for the successful discharge of their duties. These include active listening, communication skills, building blocks towards crisis intervention as well as confidentiality when it comes to sharing issues of others besides practising self-care. Continuous monitoring by mental health professionals and professional supervisors also ensures that these pupils learn how to handle different kinds of scenarios. (Turner, et.al, 2019)
Adapting to Emerging Challenges and Opportunities
Furthermore, because of these student leaders, the effects are felt by the entire school community rather than just by individuals. (Fuentes, et.al. 2020) Thus, this happens by displaying positive attitudes towards psychological well-being, ultimately shaping and understanding issues within educational institutions. Not only is this advantageous for learners but also extends further on into educators themselves together with other staff in such schools. It then creates an all-inclusive compassionate setting for learning purposes.
Evolution of Peer Support Programmes
The role of school peer support leaders is expected to change in response to emerging challenges and opportunities. Peer support programmes that can adapt as the mental health landscape changes may incorporate new ways and technologies of meeting students’ needs. (Crisp, et.al., 2020) Furthermore, peer support in web-based learning environments is increasingly valued implying that there is a need for creative techniques that will captivate and hold students on digital platforms.
Ensuring the Wellbeing of Future Generations
The significance of mental and emotional health effects in Singapore schools cannot be overrated. These people are the reason why their peers have a better life academically, emotionally, and socially as they stay dedicated, sympathetic, and guiding to them. Peer support programmes remain a critical feature in Singapore’s long-term development agenda for its youth. (Lee,et.al. 2019)
Importance of Fostering Mental and Emotional Wellbeing in Singapore Schools
Nothing is more important than fostering good mental and emotional well-being within our schools. Educators in Singapore see beyond educational excellence to appreciate that mental/emotional well-being is an integral part of overall student development and success. Let’s delve into why making mental and emotional well-being a priority in schools is paramount.
- Academic Wellbeing: Mental and emotional well-being significantly impact academic performance. Healthy pupils are known for higher levels of concentration, effective information retention capacity and academic success. Improved learning outcomes come with addressing mental health needs among students in Singapore. (Fuentes, et.al. 2020)
- Coping with Pressure: Students face intense academic pressure under the competitive education system existing within Singapore leading to stress and burn-out. (Gao X, 2023) Prioritising mental well-being equips students with coping skills and resilience. Preparing students for school stressors through a self-care-focused supportive culture fosters long-term achievement.
- Holistic Development: The aim of the schools here is to develop children holistically so that they become more resilient as well as have empathy towards others. (Masten & Barnes, 2018) Otherwise, such personal reflections together with interpersonal connections foster essential life abilities along with positive attitudes.
- Community Support: If schools take up on nurturing mental fitness then there will be unity among all who belong to such places. Students feel supported when they contribute positively or engage themselves with their peers, hence enhancing their general body wellness.
- Reducing Stigma: At school, mental health can be addressed to promote a non-discriminatory approach toward these disorders and help-seeking behaviour as well. Open dialogue, along with access to resources helps students feel at ease in seeking support, therefore desegregating mental illness and promoting wellness.
Transform Your Life with InPsychful’s Support and Empowerment
At InPsychful, we know that going through personal difficulties and feeling overwhelmed is not an easy process. You might not know if you require the assistance of a coach, psychologist, or counsellor, but one thing is certain, you want to regain control over your life and are prepared for change. Here’s where we get involved.
The co-founder of InPsychful, Camellia, strives to help people like you regain control over their lives. With over two decades (20 years) of experience working with schools in Singapore and overseas, she is well-versed in delivering leadership, emotional management & resilience programmes. She brings both expertise and compassion to every interaction with each client.
Camellia, together with the team of carefully selected Emotional Fitness Facilitators (EFFs), are passionate about the mental health of others. Every staff member has something unique to contribute hence, together, we have a strong backing towards responsive programme delivery as well as the provision of support services for all individuals involved in it.
We have faith in cooperation and assistance, agreeing that “Together Everyone Achieves More”. Especially in the development of a strong peer support leader team. InPsychful is ready to partner with you in this journey of discovery, exploration, and growth in your leaders so that they are well-equipped to help their friends and the community.
References:
Crisp, D. A., Rickwood, D., Martin, B., & Byrom, N. (2020). Implementing a peer support programme for improving university student wellbeing: The experience of programme facilitators. Australian Journal of Education, 64(2), 113-126. https://doi.org/10.1177/0004944120910498
Chyu EPY, Chen JK. Associations Between Academic Stress, Mental Distress, Academic Self-Disclosure to Parents and School Engagement in Hong Kong. Front Psychiatry. 2022 Jul 14;13:911530. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.911530. PMID: 35928778; PMCID: PMC9344061.
Turner, K.A., Rice, D.B., Carboni-Jiménez, A. et al. Effects of training and support programmes for leaders of illness-based support groups: commentary and updated evidence. Syst Rev 8, 67 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-019-0981-0
Fuentes, C., Bultron, K. ., Meyor, L., Maylon, N. ., Teves, M. ., & Edillor, M. . (2020). Effects of Being Student Leader on their Academic Performance. Ascendens Asia Singapore – Bestlink College of the Philippines Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 2(1). Retrieved from https://ojs.aaresearchindex.com/index.php/aasgbcpjmra/article/view/1083
Lee, Y., Ang, S., Chua, H.,Subramaniam, M. 2019/03/01.Peer Support in Mental Health: A Growing Movement in Singapore. Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. VL 48 DO 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.V48N3p95
Gao X. Academic stress and academic burnout in adolescents: a moderated mediating model. Front Psychol. 2023 June 5;14:1133706. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1133706. PMID: 37342640; PMCID: PMC10278958.
Masten AS, Barnes AJ. Resilience in Children: Developmental Perspectives. Children (Basel). 2018 July 17;5(7):98. doi: 10.3390/children5070098. PMID: 30018217; PMCID: PMC6069421.