How educational institutions can promote students’ mental and emotional well-being

TThe lockdown caused by the pandemic triggered an increase in mental health problems, especially among children and adolescents. Several factors, such as the child’s developmental stage, current educational level, whether or not they have special needs, a pre-existing mental health condition, and economic adversity influenced the severity of the impact. Measures such as the closure of schools and activity centers for prolonged periods have generated feelings of isolation, anxiety and uncertainty. As a result, there is a need to improve access to mental and emotional support.

Educational institutions should encourage students to make healthy lifestyle choices and recognize the effects of those choices on their health and well-being and be a resource to help them grow and develop holistically. Promoting students’ mental health and well-being plays a central role in the educational journey: building resilience in the face of adversity, building protective factors against poor mental health, and equipping them with the skills and confidence to seek help for a early intervention.

In a safe environment, students should be encouraged to think critically, analyze information, and understand the influence of society through the media, peer pressure, and family values. Furthermore, mental health and academic performance are inextricably linked. Emotionally healthy students are more likely to experiment with new ideas and ways to solve problems, both of which are key components of academic achievement.

To do

Here are some ways to promote emotional and mental well-being in educational institutions:

• Use student-centered teaching strategies that promote a pleasant environment and student well-being, such as cooperative learning.

• Combat bullying and harassment through the establishment of groups and other student-led activities.

• Develop a curriculum that addresses and supports positive mental health.

• Have a dedicated team that focuses on wellness initiatives and works with vulnerable students.

• Establish policies and processes that promote wellness.

To foster a sense of belonging among students, educational institutions must emphasize the development of an inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic or cultural background or gender. A good place to start is by emphasizing positive body image among young people and minimizing the damaging impacts low body confidence can have on their appearance. Students’ interests must be promoted and they must be assured that their feelings and emotions are taken into account. Educators must express interest in students, discover the differences, and then blur them as they work with them.

When educational institutions have a safe and happy environment, students’ academic results improve, as well as behavioral and mental health problems. In most cases, mental health problems start in adolescence. So instead of sitting back and waiting for students to come to you for help, educators should go out and talk to them in a classroom face-to-face, hold group discussions to learn more about their perceptions of health mind and, most importantly. , use class time to talk about issues that affect us on a daily basis.

The author is the Aditya Birla World Academy Pastoral Care Coordinator.