Writing for pleasure, peace and to process grief

She believes she is already seeing the negative impact of digitalisation on students.

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She says her current pupils are less able to articulate their thoughts in speech or text.

The students of today find it harder to comprehend written passages as well, she says.

"In the past, their ideas flowed and there were no gaps in their composition writing," she adds. "Now, there are lots of gaps in their thought processes. Why was it not as tough in those days?"

WRITING BY HAND HELPS WITH SELF-EXPRESSION AND WELL-BEING When Ms Dorothy Lim-Chew was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, she began keeping a written journal of her symptoms, medication, water intake and energy level. This helped her to recall and summarise information during medical appointments. It also gave her a sense of control over her health.

"I felt that this was something I could do to help my recovery," says the 58-year-old. "Writing gave me the feeling that I was taking care of my health. I was being responsible, not just giving it all over to the doctor."

Much research has shown that writing helps adults process grief and trauma, and is an act of self-care.