Supporting Youth Mental Health: Every Child Deserves to Be Heard

On World Mental Health Day 2025, we reflect on the importance of emotional well-being for children and students. Mental health challenges often emerge early in life. If left unaddressed, they can lead to years of lost potential. In Singapore, studies show that mental disorders are the leading cause of disability and death among children and adolescents aged 10 to 14. Rising academic pressure and the pervasive influence of social media have also been linked to an increase in mental health issues among students and young children, making emotional well-being more critical than ever. (Read more: The Straits Times)

We believe that nurturing confident communicators goes hand in hand with fostering emotionally resilient and empathetic kids and students. Supporting children’s mental wellness early is key to helping them thrive both academically and personally.

How Schools and MOE Support Students’ Mental Health

Schools, together with the Ministry of Education (MOE), are committed to developing students holistically by:

•  Building resilience and socio-emotional skills in children and teens
• Including mental health education in Character and Citizenship Education (CCE)
• Providing support through peer supporters, educators, and school counsellors

Ms Loh Wee Cheng, Divisional Director of Student Development Curriculum Division 1 at MOE, emphasises that schools are focused on nurturing socio-emotional competencies in children from a young age. Minister Desmond Lee also shared that by embedding mental health education in schools’ CCE curriculum, and providing systems of support, educational institutions can intervene early and guide students before serious mental health issues arise.

MOE Forum Letter Reply | Speech by Desmond Lee

Our Mental Wellness Initiatives

As part of our commitment to youth and children’s well-being, Speech Academy Asia organized Singapore’s first-ever Mental Wellness Peer Support Symposium last year. This pioneering event brought students and kids together to learn essential skills in empathy, active listening, emotional resilience, and peer support. Participants engaged in hands-on workshops, role-playing exercises, and group discussions to prepare them to become proactive peer supporters in their schools.

Through these initiatives, we aim to equip children and students with the confidence and skills to support one another, promote positive mental health, and create a culture of empathy and understanding.

Why Early Intervention Matters for Children and Students

Clinically, early intervention in mental health can prevent long-term negative outcomes and lost potential. By teaching children and students how to recognise emotions, communicate effectively, and seek support when needed, schools and programmes like ours help kids navigate challenges with confidence. Parents also play a crucial role by staying engaged, noticing signs of distress, and encouraging open conversations about mental health.

Join Us in Supporting Youth Mental Health

Investing in your child’s confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being starts today. Speech Academy Asia offers life skills and mental wellness programmes that complement school efforts to help children and students thrive.

📞 Call or WhatsApp: 9061 1715
📧 Email: info@speechacademyasia.com
📍 Visit Us: JEM, 52 Jurong Gateway Road, #06-01, Singapore 608550