They spoke, we listened: Singapore Children's Forum project showcase 2021/2022

15 January 2022

When young people speak up, we all learn something.

Some of the most important conversations about youth issues start with young people themselves. The 2021 Singapore Children's Forum (SCF) is proof of that.

Over six months, ten young people aged 13 to 17 took on topics they actually cared about (mental health and navigating the digital world) and turned their ideas into real projects. The journey kicked off in June, when participants built up the knowledge and skills they needed before diving into the issues that mattered most to them. It all came together at a project showcase on 15 January 2022.

At the event, Professor Ho Lai Yun, Deputy Chairman of Singapore Children's Society, reminded the audience of what the SCF stands for: Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)— every child's right to be heard on the things that affect them, and to be taken seriously.

Over the years, SCF has taken different shapes. "In earlier years, we held camps with a central theme, which ended with a public forum. This time, we tried something different— a longer journey where young people could plug into issues they care about, share their thoughts, and feel genuinely heard in a safe space," Prof Ho shared.

What the young people worked on

Two of the three groups tackled mental health, a growing concern for many young people today. The third took on the often-misunderstood digital world.

Nearly 60 people turned up for the online showcase, including family members, friends, and staff from Children's Society.

*Someone to lean on: Zerlina and her group shared ideas on how the community could lend more support to those strugging with mental health issues*

Breaking the silence on mental health The first group made the case for why we need to talk more openly and more accurately about mental health. They're running a social media campaign on SCF's Instagram, sharing reliable information on common signs of mental health struggles and how to support someone who might be going through a hard time.

*Addressing self-perception: Sharman's group tackled Body Dysmorphic Disorder, a condition where a person is preoccupied with perceived flaws in their physical appearance*

Shining a light on Body Dysmorphic Disorder

The second group focused on Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), a condition where someone becomes intensely preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance. It's more common than many realise, but still widely misunderstood. Their podcast series aims to clear up the myths, spark more honest conversations, and help people show up better for those who are struggling.

“By kickstarting these discussions about mental health, I believe our participants are on their way to creating an open environment for their fellow youth to share experiences and receive support when needed,” says Ms Julia Kwek, SCF youth mentor and Psychologist (Family Functional Therapy) under the Safe and Strong Families-Reunification programme.

Bridging the gap between parents and kids online The third group tackled something many families know well: the gap between how parents and young people see the digital world. Instead of debating who's right, they created a podcast and infographic that brings youth perspectives into the conversation, published as part of the Singapore Children's Society ParenTIPS podcast series on Safer Internet Day, 8 February.

All three projects were warmly received. But the real win, says Ms Lin Xiaoling, Deputy Director of the Research and Advocacy Group, was how fully the young people owned the issues they cared about.

"This reaffirms the spirit of Article 12 — that children and young people have genuinely insightful things to say, and that adults should be listening."

Themes:

Mental Health, Body Dysmorphia, Online Safety, Family Relationships