Peer Support Leaders
Peer Support Leaders at Kranji Secondary School help care for their classmates' well-being. Find out what qualities PSLs need and how students can be nominated for the role.
Peer Support Leaders
Kranji Secondary School believes that Peer Support Leaders (PSLs) play an important role in the ecosystem of support for students’ mental well-being, as students tend to prefer to first approach their peers when they face challenges. Hence, it is vital to ensure that the selection of PSLs is stringent and rigorous.
2021 CNA feature on Peer Support in KSS
“Mental health support for youths in and outside schools will be bolstered in the coming year, with peer support and digital resources set to play a key role. Cheryl Goh with more.”
Watch the video here: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/watch/peer-support-tech-play-key-role-youth-mental-health-video-2389001
Qualities that a PSL should possess
Kranji School Values | Checklist of Qualities |
|---|---|
Respect | Good listener |
Responsibility | Timely in raising issues to CMs |
Resilience | Able to cope with difficulties |
Compassion | Willing to help others |
Integrity | Trustworthy |
Passion For Learning | Willing to reflect and improve on being a better PSL |
Roles and responsibilities of a PSL
Peer Bonding | Peer Helping | Peer Influencing |
|---|---|---|
Help to create a strong sense of belonging within class/CCA/specific peer group | Provide practical help to those in need (e.g. student with physical disabilities). | Upstand to bullying behaviour |
Welcome new students to the school community (e.g. involve in planning for Sec 1 Orientation) | Provide a listening ear and emotional and social support to those in distress (both online and offline) | Advocate for student overall well-being (including cyber wellness) |
Look out and befriend those who may be lonely or who are excluded/bullied (e.g. students with SEN) using the DISTRESS and CHEER model | Provide support to students who need additional help (e.g. students with SEN) | Promote positive mindsets and prosocial behaviours offline and online |
Inform teachers of students who need help and are at risk | Mediate between peer conflicts (for older students) |
Selection of PSLs
Each class will have a minimum of two PSLs (one male and one female). Students who are interested in being a PSL will be required to submit a self-nomination form comprising of the checklist of qualities. Class mentors and peers can also nominate potential PSLs. Once confirmed, PSLs will undergo regular trainings and meetings to support them in their role.
