Steps have been taken over the past few years in an attempt to address how we think about our mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding these issues. With the NHS recently stating one in ten children suffer mental health problems, it is important to acknowledge that schools and parents have a vital role to play in supporting students.
It may seem like an impossible task, but even the smallest changes can make a huge difference to our children’s mental health. A preventative rather than a reactionary approach to mental health in children should be adopted within schools and by parents to stop issues before they begin escalating.
This article will explore how parents and schools can improve their approach to mental health, with information being sourced by GCSEPod and Blue Mental Health Education & Training.
Chats with children regarding mental health should begin from as early an age as possible, with the World Health Organisation identifying that half of all mental health problems develop before the age of 14. Providing children with the knowledge to identify and understand potential symptoms of mental health can help to reduce mental health problems spiralling.
Modelling is also such an important part of the learning process when it comes to tackling the issue of mental health in children. This is because children can pick up behaviours, both good and bad, from those around them. Both parents and teachers should be seen to have positive attitudes in terms of handling mental health issues.
The Role of Parents and Carers
It is important for parents and carers to be educated on the well being of children so that they are able to confidently support and manage any mental health challenges their children are facing.
Having knowledge on the common signs of mental health issues in children is beneficial, as it enables parents to identify these issues at an early stage and ensure their children get the help they need. Some early signs of mental health issues to look out for in your children include:
- Changes in moods, behaviour, and general ways of thinking – such as having negative thoughts, appearing down and hopeless and wanting to be alone rather than spending time with family or friends.
- Physical changes – such as lacking energy, food and sleeping issues and developing nervous habits.
Whilst seeing one or more of these changes do not necessarily mean your child is developing mental health problems, it is always best to speak to them and encourage two-way communication.
The Role of Schools and Teachers
With children spending the majority of their time at school, it is the best place to get them thinking about their o. Whilst the UK government is actively taking steps towards including mental health within the curriculum, there is still a lot that needs to be done.
Such a huge part of tackling mental health is normalising it. Regularly talking about mental health within schools will go a long way in removing the stigma, making children more likely to seek help when they recognise symptoms.
It is important that educators are also aware of the difference they can make, in terms of improving the well-being of the children they teach. Whilst teachers are not expected to be psychologists, there are useful skills that they can use on a daily basis to improve a school’s mental health provision. This includes identifying early signs of mental health issues, effectively managing, and addressing issues when they arise and creating a safe classroom environment for students to talk openly about their feelings.
Whether you are a teacher discussing the topic in the classroom, or a parent wanting to discuss mental health with your children, be sure to download GCSEPods free mental health resources.
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