Have you ever wondered how schools can help your child’s mental health? Nowadays, children have so many different pressures. They’re expected to do well in school, fit in with friends and cope with everything else that life throws at them.
It’s even more important in a competitive place like Nagpur, where nearly 1 in 7 Indian kids has problems such as anxiety or depression. The best schools in Nagpur are beginning to recognise this and are now offering various ways they can support their students better.
So keep reading if you want to know what difference can schools make to your child’s mental well being.
Understanding Mental Health Education
Mental health education is not just about teaching kids stress management skills; it’s also about getting them to understand their emotions, manage their feelings and stay mentally fit. In India there is a growing awareness from the government regarding the importance of mental health.
The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 is a big step in the right direction. It makes sure that everyone, including students, has the right to get the mental health care they need. Schools are now being encouraged to make mental health education a regular part of their lessons, not just something they talk about once in a while.
Creating a Supportive Environment
For mental health education to really work, schools need to create a place where students feel safe and supported. This goes beyond just having a counsellor on staff.
Schools can set up peer support groups, where kids can share their experiences and help each other out. Teachers should also have an open-door policy so that students feel comfortable coming to them with any concerns.
Integrating Mental Health into the Curriculum
One of the best ways to help students with mental health is to make it a normal part of what they learn every day. This means mental health topics should be included in regular lessons, not just as a separate class.
Many international schools in Nagpur are already doing this, making sure that all students get the mental health education they need, no matter what subjects they are studying.
Training Teachers and Staff
Teachers are a big part of a child’s life, so they need to know how to support mental health. Schools should give teachers regular training on how to spot signs of mental health issues and what to do about them.
By including mental health topics in the CBSE curriculum, all teachers, not just counsellors, can help support students’ mental health.
Collaborating with Mental Health Professionals
Schools shouldn’t try to handle mental health on their own. Working with mental health professionals, like psychologists, is really important. These experts can give advice on what students need and help create good mental health programmes. Also, regular visits from these professionals can help make it normal for students to seek help when they need it.
They can train teachers and staff to make sure everyone knows how to support students’ mental health.
Promoting Self-Care and Resilience
It’s important for students to learn how to take care of themselves and be strong in the face of challenges. Schools can hold workshops on things like how to manage stress, relax, and stay organised. Encouraging kids to take part in sports and yoga can also help them stay mentally healthy.
Engaging Parents and the Community
Parents and the community are key to a child’s mental health. That’s why schools should work closely with them. Together, they can create a supportive environment for students, both at home and at school.
- Regular updates: Schools should keep parents informed about the mental health programmes they offer.
- Workshops for parents: These can help parents learn how to support their children’s mental health.
- Parent-teacher meetings: These are a great time to talk about both academics and mental health.
- Support groups for parents: These groups give parents a place to share their experiences and get advice.
- Open-door policy: Encouraging parents to reach out to the school with any concerns can strengthen the relationship between home and school.
Read More: 8 Things Schools Educators Can Do To Support Students Mental Health
Monitoring and Evaluating Programmes
It’s important for schools to regularly check how well their mental health programmes are working. They can do this by asking for feedback from students and staff and making changes if needed.
Programmes like “Mindful Mondays” or “Wellness Wednesdays” can help students stay on top of their mental health. Plus, working with mental health professionals can help schools see what’s working and what needs to be improved.
Final Thoughts
At GIIS Nagpur, we know how important mental health education is for our students. We’re committed to creating a supportive environment where every student feels safe and understood.
By making mental health a part of our curriculum, training our staff, and working closely with parents, we’re helping our students thrive. As one of the best schools in Nagpur, we’re proud to lead the way in promoting mental health and well-being for all our students.
If you want to learn more about how we can support your child’s journey, get in touch with us today.
