Less students are committing suicide in Singapore.

Last year, 12 students took their own lives, down from 19 students in 2003.

Of these 12 students, five were from the primary, secondary school and junior colleges cluster and seven were from post-secondary and tertiary institutes.

The figures were revealed in a written reply from Education Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen to a Mdm Cynthia Phua who asked about the Ministry of Education's initiatives in reducing the suicide trend among students.

According to Dr Ng, one of the key measures that have been developed is the tiered-referral system in place in every school which helps to facilitate the early identification and extension of help to students in need of support.

"At the first tier are our teachers who are trained to identify students who show signs that they are troubled and provide the necessary basic support, including referring students to counsellors in school who form the second tier of support.

"Complex cases are referred to the third tier of support, which can involve guidance specialists from MOE, mental health professionals or the relevant social service agencies," Dr Ng explained.

He also cited an online support network run by the Health Promotion Board and a hotline provided by the Samaritans of Singapore as useful resources for troubled students. 

Dr Ng also reminded that while schools and the wider community can support and educate our youths, the support from the home is also paramount.

Useful Telephone Numbers

Health Promotion Board Student Health Centre: 6435 3937
Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221 4444