Study shows mental health concerns on the rise among youth, with many turning to digital media for self-therapy.
SINGAPORE: A recent study by the National University of Singapore (NUS) reveals that one in 10 teenagers in Singapore is affected by at least one mental health disorder, underscoring the growing need for more parental involvement and support for youth mental well-being.
The nationwide study, which surveyed 3,336 adolescents aged 10 to 18, found that around one-third of youths reported internalised symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness, while about one-sixth showed externalised symptoms like hyperactivity and aggression. The study revealed that 12 percent of respondents met the criteria for a mental health disorder, highlighting a concerning trend.
According to the study, resilience plays a crucial role in mental health, with higher resilience correlating to better mental well-being. However, it found that 15- and 16-year-olds, particularly females, had the lowest resilience scores, leading to higher incidences of anxiety and depression. Many teens attributed their mental health struggles to the pressure of academic performance, with some admitting to extreme stress and sleepless nights as they prepared for exams.
“I put a lot of stress on myself to study harder and take time off relaxation to practise more. Sometimes, the stress gets so high that I’ll sleep at 4am,” shared one secondary school student. “Mental health is really important because if your mental state is not well, then it will really deter you from making a lot of good decisions in your life.”
Parental Involvement Needed
The study found that parents are often unaware of their children’s mental health issues, with only 1 in 10 parents able to identify symptoms compared to 1 in 3 youths who self-report them. Experts emphasize the need for parents to better understand and engage with their children’s mental health needs.
“A family’s ability to solve problems and spend time together plays a key role in the psychological well-being of children and youths,” said Ms. Sun Xueling, Minister of State for Social and Family Development.
NUS’ Associate Professor John Wong, who led the study, called for early parent-child bonding, particularly during the first 10 years of life, to establish communication channels for when children enter puberty. He also highlighted the importance of resources to help parents navigate mental health concerns, including a toolkit being developed by an inter-agency task force to assist parents in understanding and supporting their children’s mental health.
Digital Media as Self-Therapy
A key concern raised by the study was the increasing use of digital media by teens as a form of self-therapy. While social media and online activities like listening to music can help teens process emotions, experts warn that excessive screen time might mask underlying mental health issues.
“The key issue is how to communicate this to parents, so they may not misunderstand their children’s use of multiple devices, which can end up exacerbating mental health symptoms,” said Prof Wong.
More Research and Support Needed
The study, conducted during the peak of COVID-19, revealed an increased level of anxiety and depression among teens, which may have been amplified by the pandemic. Prof Wong stressed that while the data provides valuable insights, more research is necessary to fully understand the long-term impact of COVID-19 on youth mental health.
“We should continue to monitor these trends and revisit them in three years once the pandemic’s effects have settled,” he said.
Moving forward, experts advocate for more inclusive clinical services that cater not only to teens with diagnosed mental health disorders but also to those experiencing distress. Mental health professionals, such as counselors and mentors, are also crucial in providing support and expanding capacity to address the growing challenge.
