Youth mental health: PAP group wants age of consent for services to be lowered to 18

SINGAPORE - A new mental health group launched by the People’s Action Party (PAP) on Oct 5 is pushing for the age of consent for mental health services to be lowered to 18.

Certain services such as mental health assessments and basic counselling should also be made accessible without parental consent, said Ms Rachel Ong, an MP for West Coast GRC and co-chair of the workgroup.

“Presently, common law sets this age at 21, with some mental health providers requiring parental consent for those under 18.

“But if our young people are deemed responsible enough to bear arms in national service and drive at the age of 18, then surely they should not be held back from accessing mental health services and taking charge of their well-being,” she added.

Ms Ong said lowering the age of consent will help youth who might otherwise face parental resistance to mental health treatment due to stigma or worry about burdening their parents.

She added that interventions such as those requiring medication, hospitalisation and surgical procedures could still require parental consent.

Ms Ong was speaking at the PAP headquarters in New Upper Changi Road at the launch of the workgroup by Education Minister and PAP assistant secretary-general Chan Chun Sing.

Ms Ong said the mental health of Singaporeans, particularly young people, is one of the most pressing issues confronting families here.

Citing

a recent survey by the Institute of Mental Health

on youth mental health, she said the findings showed that a third of young people aged 15 to 35 did not seek help despite having severe or very severe symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress.

In her speech, Ms Ong also proposed tighter regulation of counsellors, therapists and psychologists working with youth to ensure only certified and licensed professionals can offer vulnerable young people mental health services.

“This will also safeguard our youth (and) build trust among parents, who may feel more comfortable seeking help for their children when they know that they are in safe hands,” she added.

Ms Ong said the group will engage parents to educate them on the importance of their children’s mental health and show that, like their physical health, checks are necessary for them to get better.

She had, in February, proposed these changes to the age of consent and regulation of mental health professionals in Parliament.

The group’s formation was announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in June, as part of efforts by the PAP to engage with groups and stakeholders beyond the party and better represent Singaporeans’ views.

This came after PM Wong told Parliament in February that the Government is making mental health and well-being

a key priority in its national agenda

.

Among other measures, he said the number of public-sector psychiatrists will be beefed up by about 30 per cent by 2030, with a 40 per cent increase in psychologists in the same period.

His comments followed the October 2023 launch of the

National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy

, which aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem for people with mental health needs to receive support and help early in community settings, without stigma.

Speaking at the launch of the workgroup, Mr Chan said he hopes the group will promote a deeper understanding of the complexities of mental health issues, and assure those facing such challenges that they are not alone, and build mental resilience within communities.

He said mental health is not a party or non-party issue.

“It is an issue that is close to all our hearts, and that is why, together, the party, and the professionals and the public have to work together to overcome some of these challenges”, Mr Chan added.

At the event, Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary introduced a panel of eight mental health experts from hospitals, social service organisations and psychological services that will support the group’s efforts.

Dr Janil, who is co-chair of the PAP mental health group, said the panel will serve as a “brains trust” with the technical and professional expertise to ensure the group’s decisions are evidence-based.

The third co-chair of the group is Dr Wan Rizal Wan Zakariah, an MP for Jalan Besar GRC.

The seven other MPs in the group are Mr Edward Chia, Ms Mariam Jaafar, Mr Melvin Yong, Dr Tan Wu Meng, Ms Tin Pei Ling, Mr Xie Yao Quan and Mr Yip Hon Weng.

Mr Yip, MP for Yio Chu Kang, said the group should explore whether more subsidies could be provided for mental health services at polyclinics, as people feel safer accessing healthcare in their local communities.

Dr Janil said the workgroup will think about how to improve the accessibility of mental health services and raise awareness of the resources available.