The study, based on interviews with 1,625 secondary school students and group discussions with 25 respondents, recommended that children and youth centres and schools should organise more activities and projects to equip young people with the basic skills and knowledge to perform as first detector of their friends' problems.
"More projects to advocate the importance of peer support can be organised, both by schools and by school social workers, so that peer support systems, ideally for every form, can be established," the study advised. The study also found that less than ten per cent of young people regarded their parents as the most helpful agents of support.
"Parents should be reminded of the importance of recognising the changing needs of youngsters and establish better communications with their children to enhance mutual understanding," the study added.
Teachers, likewise, were not regarded as a help agent, although they are considered by most youth to be accessible but not friendly.
The study observed that since teachers are more readily available to young people, they can be very useful supportive agents if they gain the trust and confidence of their students.
"Teaching is not confined to imparting academic knowledge. The wholesome development of young people is also important and teachers should be reminded of the need to support their students and be approachable.
"The professional teaching organisations may consider organising more activities and training for teachers to promote awareness in this respect," the study suggested.
Many young people were just as reluctant to approach social workers for support. They were generally described by the students as friendly but not accessible.
"Moreover, many young people have the view that social workers, particularly school social workers, have a remedial role. This has deterred them from approaching social workers. As to avoid being labelled 'problematic' by their peers," the study reported.
The study recommended school social workers should organise a greater variety of activities apart from counselling students.
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