The session began with an introduction to DREAMS by Lead Principal Investigator Professor Kenneth Poon, followed by a focused talk on test anxiety by Dr Khng Kiat Hui (Fannie), PI of DREAMS Project 5 and SKIP-UP. The webinar concluded with a lively Q&A panel featuring Prof Ken, Dr Fannie, Associate Professor Gregory Arief D. Liem, and Dr Tan Ser Hong, all PIs of the DREAMS study.
Understanding DREAMS and parents’ role
Prof Ken opened the session by introducing DREAMS and its four broad research focus areas, as well as the study’s long-term timeline. DREAMS is a longitudinal study that follows young people over several years to better understand how different aspects of their lives—academic, psychological, social, and family-related—shape their development.
Parents play an important role in DREAMS. Beyond student surveys, the study also includes parent surveys, interviews, and focus groups, which allow researchers to better understand adolescents’ experiences from a family perspective. Prof Ken shared that information about these opportunities will be sent through schools and email, and encouraged parents to consider taking part as the study progresses into its next phase.
What parents should know about test anxiety
In her talk, Dr Fannie explained what test anxiety is and how it can show up in different ways—through emotions (e.g. worry), thoughts (e.g. intrusive or self-critical thoughts), and behaviours (e.g. avoidance). She shared that while test anxiety among Secondary 1 and 2 students in DREAMS was generally not very high, stress is still common, especially around exams.
Dr Fannie highlighted common stressors and coping strategies, noting that more proactive strategies, such as planning and problem-solving, tend to be more helpful. She also shared practical ideas for parents, including:
- Recognising that test anxiety is common and looking out for signs of overwhelm
- Encouraging simple, evidence-based techniques like writing about feelings and deep breathing
- Creating a supportive home environment and promoting healthy study habits
- Being mindful of their own stress, as children often pick up on and model adults’ responses
- Seeking professional help when stress becomes overwhelming
Insights from the Q&A panel
During the Q&A, parents raised thoughtful and practical questions.
On surveys and feedback, Prof Ken explained that while individual survey responses are kept confidential, DREAMS shares information about the constructs being studied (such as test anxiety). The surveys are designed to contribute to a broader research picture rather than to provide individual diagnoses or feedback.
On focus and screen time, Dr Tan Ser Hong suggested setting aside protected study time with short, planned breaks for scrolling or gaming, rather than banning screens entirely. This approach can reduce conflict and support concentration.
On social comparison, Assoc Prof Liem discussed the “big fish, small pond” effect, where students compare themselves with peers and feel discouraged. He encouraged parents to reduce comparisons with others and instead focus on helping their child aim for their personal best.
On motivation and the future, Assoc Prof Liem emphasised helping children see meaning in what they are doing now—connecting schoolwork to their interests and future goals, praising effort and improvement, and celebrating progress along the way.
On screen-related conflict and communication, Prof Ken reminded parents that screens are highly reinforcing and that adolescence is a period where peer influence is especially strong. He encouraged parents to avoid power struggles, aim for more positive than negative interactions, and be strategic about when and how they initiate conversations.
How parents can stay involved
As DREAMS continues into its next phase, parents can stay involved by:
- Taking part in parent surveys, interviews, or focus groups (details will be shared via schools or email)
- Supporting their child’s continued participation in DREAMS
- Following DREAMS on social media for updates, new findings, and future events
- View our latest tip sheets on our website home page
Thank you to all parents who joined the webinar and contributed thoughtful questions. We look forward to continuing these conversations and working together to better support adolescents’ development.