Supporting Young People's Mental Health in School - Practical Advice for Youth Mental Health Day

As we observe Youth Mental Health Day this week, it's important to shine a light on the mental health challenges many young people face. Schools are not just places of academic growth but spaces where students experience significant social, emotional, and psychological development. Given the increasing pressures young people face today, supporting their mental health has never been more crucial.

Here’s practical advice on how schools, teachers, and parents can work together to support young people's mental health and encourage a positive, nurturing environment.

1. Create an Open and Supportive Environment

The first step in promoting good mental health in schools is creating a culture where students feel safe and supported. Schools should foster an environment where mental health is discussed openly, free from stigma or judgment. Teachers and staff can:

• Encourage open conversations: Regularly remind students that it's okay to talk about how they're feeling. Incorporating discussions about mental health into assemblies, classrooms, and school events can help normalise these conversations.

• ·Lead by example: When teachers or staff model self-care and talk about their own wellbeing, it creates a culture of openness. Students will feel more comfortable seeking help when they see it being valued by authority figures.

2. Offer Peer Support Programmes

Peer support can play a key role in helping young people manage their mental health. Many students feel more comfortable talking to a peer than an adult. Schools can:

• Establish peer mentoring programmes: Train older students to become mentors, offering them tools to listen and provide support to younger students.

• Create ‘Wellbeing Champions’: These are student leaders who advocate for mental health, lead awareness initiatives, and provide a friendly ear to fellow students. Learn more about our Wellbeing Champion training here.

• Develop safe spaces for peer connection: Ensure that there are designated areas where students can meet for peer-to-peer discussions during break times.

3. Train Teachers and Staff to Spot Early Signs

Teachers often spend more time with students than anyone else outside of their families. This puts them in a unique position to spot early signs of mental health difficulties. Schools should:

• Invest in mental health training for staff: Training such as Youth Mental Health First Aid can provide essential training to help staff identify signs of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues and know how to offer initial support.

• Adopt a supportive referral system: When staff spot concerning signs, there should be a clear and accessible pathway to refer students to the appropriate help, such as a school counsellor or external services.

4. Encourage Healthy Routines and Self-Care

Building healthy habits is an essential part of supporting mental health. Schools can play a significant role in encouraging routines that promote wellbeing:

• Promote physical activity: Exercise is not only important for physical health but also for reducing stress and improving mood. Schools should encourage regular physical activity, whether through sports, yoga, or simply daily movement breaks.

• Teach relaxation techniques: Simple mindfulness exercises or breathing techniques can help students manage stress, especially during exam seasons. Integrating these practices into daily school routines can help students develop lifelong coping skills.

• Encourage a balanced lifestyle: Schools can highlight the importance of sleep, nutrition, and time away from screens. Educators should regularly remind students to find a balance between school work, social activities, and relaxation.

5. Provide Access to Mental Health Resources

Access to mental health resources within the school can make a significant difference in how young people cope with their emotions and challenges. Schools can:

• Offer in-house counselling services: Having a trained counsellor or mental health professional available on site can provide immediate support for students who are struggling.

• Collaborate with external mental health services: Partner with local mental health organisations or professionals to provide workshops, seminars, or even therapy sessions.

• Create resource centres: Having a dedicated space in the school for students to access information on mental health, self-help books, and wellness activities can empower students to take control of their mental wellbeing.

  
  

6. Involve Parents and Caregivers

Mental health support doesn’t stop at the school gate. Parents and caregivers play a critical role in ensuring that young people receive continuous support. Schools can:

• Provide workshops for parents: Equip them with the knowledge to recognise signs of mental health issues and offer practical advice on how to support their children. Learn more about parental workshops we deliver here.

• Maintain clear communication: Regular check-ins between teachers and parents can help ensure that any emerging concerns are addressed early.

Why Supporting Youth Mental Health is Vital

Supporting young people’s mental health is not just about addressing problems when they arise. It’s about prevention, early intervention, and promoting emotional resilience. When young people feel supported, they are more likely to engage with their learning, develop positive relationships, and manage stress effectively.

Youth Mental Health Day reminds us all that mental health needs to be a priority for young people – especially in schools. By creating a supportive environment, offering peer and professional resources, and teaching healthy coping mechanisms, we can equip young people with the tools they need to thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.