Engaging youth for mental health in a digital world

17 Jun 2022 | Special Delivery

In May 2022, KKH partnered with Temasek Foundation on a Temasek Shophouse Conversation to raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities for youth mental health in a digital world.

Expert panellists discussed contributors to poor mental health among youth, stigma and challenges in accessing care, led by moderators, Dr Elaine Chew, Head and Senior Consultant, Adolescent Medicine Service, KKH, and Dr Vicknesan Marimuttu, Head and Senior Consultant, Child and Adolescent Mental Wellness Service, KKH.


KKH moderators Dr Elaine Chew (in white) and Dr Vicknesan Marimuttu (far right) led panel discussions on youth mental health challenges, interventions and social media use.

“There has been a global surge in youth coping with mental health difficulties. We need to be aware of the contributors to poor mental health in our youth, and the challenges they face, such as self-stigma,” shares Dr Vicknesan.

“The digital world can be leveraged in a productive way to engage and innovate for mental health. This needs to be balanced against the negative impact of social media and the need to minimise harm,” adds Dr Vicknesan.

The event was graced by Guest of Honour Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Minister of State for Social and Family Development, and included panellists from Duke-NUS Medical School, Institute of Mental Health, The University of Melbourne and TikTok.

Catch the recap of the Temasek Shophouse Conversations: www.philanthropyxchange.sg/tsc