Politics · Singapore Bureau
Mental health experts push for lower parental consent age for youths
As more young people seek mental health support, practitioners are urging authorities to lower or eliminate age thresholds requiring parental permission. The push comes as the government develops new guidelines on consent for mental health services.
LSN Singapore ·
Mental health professionals are calling on policymakers to reconsider age requirements for parental consent in youth mental health care, arguing that current restrictions may deter adolescents from seeking treatment. Some practitioners have suggested lowering the threshold to 13 or 14 years old, with some advocating for the removal of parental consent requirements altogether.
The appeal reflects growing concerns that strict consent policies create barriers to accessing mental health services at a critical developmental stage. Advocates argue that young people often delay or avoid seeking help due to concerns about parental involvement, particularly when addressing sensitive issues that may affect their willingness to open up to professionals.
The government is currently developing guidelines on parental consent for mental health services, providing an opportunity to address the issue. Mental health practitioners contend that lowering consent ages would align with the rising demand from youths seeking psychological support and counseling services.
The debate touches on the balance between protecting minors and enabling their autonomous access to healthcare. Proponents of relaxed consent rules maintain that early intervention is crucial for addressing mental health challenges before they escalate, and that removing barriers to care could improve outcomes for vulnerable young people in the region.