2019: Answered question about bullying of LGBT persons in schools

Allow me to talk about what happens when the counsellors work with students with sexuality-related issues. When working with students with sexuality-related issues, our school counsellors understand the sensitivity and they adopt an objective approach to ensure the overall best interest of the students. At the heart of everything, it is the interest of the students.

We know, sometimes, they do not feel that they are ready to share their inclination with their parents as yet. So, the counsellors provide a safe environment – the word here is a "safe environment" – for the students to discuss their experiences, to receive support regarding social and emotional issues. Maybe they are at an age where they are processing it themselves, they are not quite clear; and also issues related to communications with parents and lack of understanding from peers.

The counsellors support the students by equipping them with problem solving skills, emotional regulation skills and also normalising help-seeking – that it is all right to seek help. School counsellors also facilitate school and – where relevant and when the timing is right – family support for the students, which will help to prevent the students from being ostracised in a social context or even prevent further mental health issues from emerging. When these parents are eventually engaged, the school counsellors also facilitate discussions that enhance the parents' understanding of the students' concern and issues. The counsellors, where relevant, will also share suggestions to help the parents to talk to and also better support their children.

https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=oral-answer-2064

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