RU Event
Mental Health Forum
Generation Under Watch:
Mental Health in the Age of Pressure and Pixels
On 22 November 2025, Raffles University hosted a thought-provoking public forum titled “Generation Under Watch: Mental Health in the Age of Pressure and Pixels”, bringing together professionals, teachers, parents, and members of the community to explore the growing impact of the digital world on youth mental health. The event attracted more than 30 participants and provided a valuable platform for dialogue on the challenges facing young people in today’s increasingly connected society.
The forum featured Dr. Guek Tai Yan, neurologist from Columbia Asia Hospital, and Dr. Chai Wen Jia, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences, who shared their expertise on the complex relationship between technology use, psychological wellbeing, and brain health. The session was moderated by Ms Tey Huey Shan, counsellor, who guided the discussion and facilitated audience engagement throughout the event.
Examining Youth Wellbeing in the Digital Age
As digital devices and online platforms become an integral part of daily life, young people are exposed to unprecedented levels of information, stimulation, and social comparison. During the forum, the speakers explored how excessive internet use, social media engagement, and digital pressures can influence mental health, emotional wellbeing, attention, sleep, and interpersonal relationships.
Participants were encouraged to reflect on the opportunities and challenges presented by technology. While digital platforms provide valuable avenues for learning, communication, and self-expression, the discussion also highlighted the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries and developing mindful technology habits.
The forum raised important questions about how families, educators, and communities can support young people in navigating the online world responsibly while safeguarding their psychological wellbeing.
Understanding the Connection Between Mind and Body
A unique highlight of the event was a live demonstration conducted by Dr. Guek, which focused on helping participants better understand the difference between symptoms that may arise from psychological stress and those that may be related to underlying physiological or neurological conditions.
Through simple self-assessment techniques and practical examples, participants learned how certain physical symptoms can sometimes be influenced by stress, anxiety, and emotional factors, while others may warrant further medical evaluation. The demonstration emphasized the importance of taking a holistic approach to health and seeking appropriate professional support when concerns arise.
This interactive segment generated considerable interest and encouraged participants to become more aware of the connections between mental and physical wellbeing.
Fostering Meaningful Conversations About Youth Mental Health
The forum concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, where participants shared their perspectives and raised concerns about the realities young people face in the digital era.
At Raffles University Psychological Wellness Centre (RUPC), we believe that promoting mental health awareness requires ongoing education, open dialogue, and collaboration across different disciplines. By bringing together experts from psychology and neurology, the forum provided participants with a broader understanding of youth wellbeing and the multifaceted impact of technology on today’s generation.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the speakers and all participants who contributed to this meaningful event. Through conversations such as these, we hope to continue empowering individuals, families, and communities to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people in an increasingly digital world.