Accelerated action for the health of adolescents (AA-HA!) a manual to facilitate the process of developing national adolescent health strategies and plans. Committee to advise the public health service on clinical practice guidelines, United States. Multi-tiered Systems of Support in elementary schools; the definitive guide to effective implementation and quality control. Social inclusion of youth with mental health conditions. Patel, V, Flisher, AJ, Nikapota, A, and Malhotra, S. Promoting child and adolescent mental health in low and middle income countries.
Guidelines on wellbeing and mental health at school
For instance, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in the United States emphasizes the importance of mental health by allowing states to use federal funds for mental health services in schools, thereby reinforcing the connection between mental health and academic success. Research indicates that schools with mental health programs led by educators can significantly reduce stigma and improve student outcomes, as highlighted in the study “The Role of School-Based Mental Health Services in Improving Student Outcomes” by Weist et al. (2014). They are often the first point of contact for students experiencing mental health challenges, allowing them to identify signs of distress and provide appropriate support or referrals. Education policies related to mental health vary significantly across different educational systems, reflecting diverse cultural, legal, and institutional frameworks. Anti-bullying legislation creates a safer school environment, which is essential for mental well-being, as research indicates that students who experience bullying are at a higher risk for mental health issues. Research indicates that schools implementing comprehensive mental health programs see improvements in student well-being and academic performance.
Documents
- Help us reach our mission our goal that no child or young person has to face a mental health problem alone.
- Globally, the United Nations (UN) agencies have maintained focus on promoting adolescent mental health and wellbeing among its member states by documenting policies in the form of guidelines and manuals.
- Because K-12 education has not historically included mental health in curricula, schools need funding for quality training, selection and purchase of materials, resources and guidance for program evaluation, and ongoing leadership support.
A list of senior mental health lead training courses (PDF, 246 KB, 21 pages) is available. Schools and colleges decide who is best placed to take on the role of senior mental health lead. Arguably, more documentation from UNESCO may have been expected given their school policy context. However, as these UN agency documents are evidence-based, we anticipate that they will have built on any important, relevant documents.
Stigma surrounding mental health often leads to a lack of public support and political will, making it difficult to allocate necessary resources. Conversely, insufficient funding often leads to limited access to mental health resources, resulting in unmet student needs and increased mental health crises. Training for educators equips them with the skills to recognize mental health issues and respond appropriately, fostering a proactive approach to student well-being. This demonstrates that educators not only facilitate academic learning but also contribute to the overall mental health and resilience of their students. Research indicates that approximately 20% of students experience mental health challenges, which can result in a 10-20% decrease in academic performance (Eisenberg et al., 2009, “Mental Health and Academic Success in College”).
Where benefits may include improved academic outcomes, reduced mental health problems, and increased student wellbeing. Effective policies can facilitate the delivery of high-quality mental health services, while inadequate gambling or poorly implemented policies can hinder service provision. Policy plays a crucial role in shaping the mental health landscape in schools. We’ve released our official Children’s Mental Health Week resources for schools, families and community groups, and workplaces, as well as lots of fundraising materials!
Mental health problems in youth often go hand-in-hand with other health and behavioral risks like increased risk of drug use, experiencing violence, and higher risk sexual behaviors that can lead to HIV, STDs and unintended pregnancy. Qualitative evaluations, through interviews and focus groups, gather in-depth insights from individuals affected by the policies, revealing their experiences and perceptions. The reciprocity principle is a pervasive and influential force in social cognition, shaping our inte…
