Establish Proper Mental Health Services In Schools

Today, the nation is shaken (article). No matter what the psychiatric report reveals, no one will truly know what went through the assailant's mind. However, one thing is for certain. Somewhere along the way, something has gone wrong, unnoticed.

This may be a rude awakening for the fraternity to recognize the urgent need for greater mental health support for both students and teachers. As much as the Ministry tries to shift gears away from high stake assessments, real change can only be seen when stakeholders sing to the same tune. And while this huge ship is slowly changing its course, the ones who have to manage both the old and new expectations are the students and teachers.

Teachers are not only expected to cope with pressures to achieve academic KPIs and be accountable for the results, they are also expected to juggle the slew of fast and furious covid-induced changes (e.g joy of learning, PLDs etc). In addition, teachers tend to put the needs of the students above their own and together with family responsibilities, they are often exhausted and drained. Students, especially those from the better performing schools, are weighed down by the tremendous pressure of expectations from everyone around them to perform. Together with their own expectations and a fear of failure, it all adds up to a whole lot of stress for the young ones.

There is only so much teachers and students can bear without breaking. Although there are school counsellors to support the students, I think it is time to establish proper mental health and counselling services in schools where staff and students can turn to whenever they need help.

My heart goes out to the families, students, teachers and school leaders. Even as they seek to address the trauma and shock, the guilt must be overwhelming. I hope they are given as much time and support to grieve and eventually find closure.