Prioritizing mental health in schools
On the 10th of every year, mental health is being recognized and celebrated globally as the World Menta Health Day. The theme for this year’s theme is “It’s time to prioritize mental health in the workplace,” and as we reflect on the theme, it’s crucial to also consider the mental well-being of children and adolescents in schools. This is a critical issue that often receives insufficient attention.
Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how they think, feel, act, handle stress, and relate to others. It is important throughout life, from childhood to adulthood, and is shaped by factors such as genetics, brain chemistry, life experiences, and family history. Environmental stressors, socio-economic status, and support systems also play a significant role in a person’s mental health.
Connect with Damsel Initiative joined the rest of the world to commemorate the day by interviewing professionals in the healthcare, therapy and education world to throw more light on ‘prioritizing the mental health of students in schools. This also include the roles of teachers and school administrators.
‘’Many young people face challenges such as bullying and mistreatment, which deeply affect their emotional and psychological health. However, we often assume that having school policies alone are enough to address these concerns. The most effective solution lies in adopting a holistic and comprehensive approach—one that goes beyond policies on paper and focuses on practical, tailored implementation. It’s essential to consider the child’s overall life experiences, including parental care, family dynamics, and the school’s methods for addressing mental health. Only by integrating these factors can we truly create an environment where children and adolescents are protected, supported, and able to thrive’’.
”Schools need to foster a culture of empathy and inclusion to support children’s mental well-being. They should ensure students feel safe to express their thoughts and emotions to peers and authorities without fear of stigma or victimization.
Students should be educated on their mental health and involved in decision-making where possible. Equipping students with coping skills to overcome challenges will help build their long-term resilience. By prioritizing students’ mental well-being, schools can reduce stigma, improve academic performance, and empower students to thrive.”
A major chunk of the child’s personality is formed in the family, their first institution, influenced primarily by heredity and secondarily by the environment. Schools should serve as a second home, giving students a sense of security. Schools must create a suitable milieu for parents, students and the school to deal with grievances in a friendly atmosphere. Through guidance and counseling, schools should help prevent students from engaging in social disorders and misdemeanors, particularly as they reach maturity. Single parents and divorcees could impact negatively on the child’s mental health; broken homes are not excluded.
‘’All schools and teachers have a statutory duty of care to their students which means the school has to do what is reasonably practicable to ensure they care for their students, as any reasonable parents would do. It is paramount that teachers understand the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, as well as how to approach and assess a struggling student. Therefore, they must be trained before they can render assistance. To promote mental health in schools, they should invest in trainings and build resilience in school curriculum, including connecting students and their families to caring adults and community behavioural mental health and therapy services. Teachers with good mental health can inspire, inform and care’’.
In conclusion, to create a safe and supportive environment, schools must serve as a second home and primary space for children’s learning and growth. This means fostering an atmosphere that is supportive, friendly, and nurturing, while actively promoting students’ overall well-being, including their mental health. A positive, safe, and inclusive school environment where all students feel valued is essential.
Teachers and school administrators should be approachable and offer emotional support, ensuring that students can easily reach out when facing mental health challenges. Additionally, schools should implement strong anti-bullying policies that go beyond written rules. Practical, actionable programs that promote respect, kindness, and inclusivity are crucial to cultivating a culture of empathy and protection for all students. Maintaining good mental health is essential for overall well-being, productivity, and quality of life.
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