Today’s teenagers are under unprecedented pressure on and off line. How are schools coping with the fallout as record numbers of young people are reported to suffer from mental health problems? Elizabeth Ivens reports...
BRITAIN’S teenagers are said to be “among the unhappiest in the world”, (The Times, February 2017), and teenage mental health problems are big news.
One in ten children aged between five and 16, and over a quarter of girls and young women aged between 16-24 are said to have mental health problems. So what is going on behind these shocking headlines?
In the last few weeks alone, child and teenage mental health has been in the spotlight more than ever: Prime Minister Theresa May has made a major speech on the subject, promising long overdue support for the beleaguered CAMHS (the NHS’ Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service), and younger members of the Royal Family have reiterated their commitment to raising its profile.
Prince Harry spoke out on Time to Talk Day last month, on behalf of the Heads Together charity he spearheads with his brother and sister-in-law, saying it showed “strength” to talk about mental health.
Many independent schools have been quietly doing just that: talking about, identifying and tackling some of the causes of mental health problems and looking at ways that pupils can build emotional resilience.
They have also been in the vanguard of looking at mental health from a different viewpoint: prevention is better than cure – and mental health provision has almost become synonymous with what schools are doing to promote wellbeing.
Charlotte Avery, Head of St Mary’s School, Cambridge and President of the Girls’ Schools Association, said the school prioritises girls’ safety and mental wellbeing above “everything else”: “Prevention – doing what we can to prevent occurrences of mental ill-health arising – is also key, as cures are not guaranteed, and intervention is only effective in 50% of cases.”
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Spring 2017-Ausgabe von Independent School Parent - Senior Edition.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Spring 2017-Ausgabe von Independent School Parent - Senior Edition.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Beyond Belief
Where once a school chaplain was a visible Christian presence who gave spiritual guidance, these days they are also to be found providing valuable support aimed at pupil wellbeing
The Digital Detox
Schools should adapt to technological change, but be wary of the impact it has on young people, too
It's Cool To Be Clever
Being brainy is all the rage at Wimbledon High School, as students hold their rst Clever Clogs Conference
Schools To The Rescue
Most schools find their social consciences pricked by needs within their communities – but some go above and beyond this, says Katie Hughes
A Plan With A Purpose - Hurst College, West Sussex
Dominic Mott, Head of Hurst College’s Senior School, explains the story behind their innovative Hurst Purpose programme
A Step Back In Time
A school anniversary is a celebratory occasion, but also a chance to reflect back on where it all began, says Natalie Keeler.
A Pillar Of The Community
Anthony Buckley explains his multi-faced role as chaplain at Alleyn's School, south London
Designing The Future
Design and technology is the key to inspiring the next generation of designers and engineers, and schools should hold on to it
The Art Of Venice
Delve into a world of fine art, cinema and theatre in the home of style and culture, with the John Hall Venice Course.
A Weight Off Their Minds
Today’s teenagers are under unprecedented pressure on and off line. How are schools coping with the fallout as record numbers of young people are reported to suffer from mental health problems? Elizabeth Ivens reports...
