USE OF AI CHATBOTS FOR COUNSELLING AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

NOTICE PAPER NO. 533

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 26 FEBRUARY 2026

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Dr Charlene Chen

MP for Tampines GRC

Question No. 1552

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health in view of the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for counselling and mental health support by teenagers and young adults (a) how the Ministry is monitoring this trend; (b) what measures are in place to guide users towards qualified mental health services where appropriate; and (c) what safeguards are being considered to protect vulnerable users.

Answer

1         Sir, artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots have become so ubiquitous now that it is no longer practical to track its use for counselling or mental health support. In general, it is not appropriate to use generative AI chatbots as a replacement for a qualified mental health care provider. AI chatbots are not designed to address mental health issues or provide treatment for mental health conditions, and risk providing misinformation or inappropriate responses when dealing with serious mental health crises, and may cause harm instead.

2         But fundamentally, young people and many patients with mental health issues sometimes seek out these online chatbots because of the anonymity it offers and also because it is easily available and accessible 24/7. So our approach is to encourage individuals seeking qualified mental health services to approach our First Stop for Mental Health services such as national mindline 1771, mindline.sg, Community Outreach Teams and CHAT.

3         We put forth these resources so that they become the legitimate alternatives that those seeking the same advantages of anonymity and easy accessibility, can now go to a legitimate source to get the same kind of services for which we know is legitimate, and they can get proper referrals onwards as well to the care that they need beyond checked. Also, these resources put online are also more contextualised to our local needs. So I believe there is a distinct advantage, but what we need to do is to actually do a lot more education and make these resources be more available and make these resources’ awareness be elevated amongst the public, so they actually go to these legitimate resources rather than rely on the online chatbots that they can find.

4         Now, while enforcement is not practical, there are safeguards in place to protect younger users online. Under the Code of Practice for Online Safety – App Distribution Services, users’ exposure to harmful content on these services must be minimised. Designated app stores are also required to implement age assurance measures by 31 March this year. Digital content developers are also expected to comply with the Model AI Governance Framework for Generative AI to ensure responsible development and application of AI for youths and children.

5         Additionally, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)'s Digital Skills for Life framework includes content on how to use generative AI and manage its potential risks. Individuals can learn at their own pace through the available resources.

6         Thank you sir.