The mental health of kids plays a crucial part in their character development. Read about 6 tips to encourage healthy mindset in children at school.
\”The emotional, psychological, and social well-being of our children is the foundation upon which we build our future.\” – said 42nd U.S. President Bill Clinton.
Mental health is a crucial aspect of children\’s overall well-being. It plays a significant role in their academic and personal success. This is why schools should prioritize and support the psychological welfare of their students.
A positive school culture includes a welcoming environment, respect, kindness, and providing opportunities for students to become a part of the school community. This practice help kids feel valued. But the reality of the American school system is entirely different.
A campaign was created by Hopeful Futures to understand the school’s involvement in protecting the kids\’ mental well-being. The campaign report showed almost 50 states failed to implement policies that promote a friendly environment in schools.
Youth Truth’s survey also revealed shocking facts about the mindset of school kids. It unveiled that sixth graders often get bullied by their classmates or seniors. Girls, transgenders and non-binary people feel highly stressed at school. Happiness is a myth for LGBTQ students.
13% of middle school students have considered suicide in the last year. Bob Mullaney, Superintendent of the suburban Boston School District reported they are receiving many cases of fights among students. Multiple kids are thinking about suicide and self-harm.
40 children\’s hospitals in the state saw 14,630 ER visits between January to September of 2021. The kids were mainly 5-18 years old.
Before going deeper into this topic, we have to understand what is mental health and why it is important.
The definition of Mental Health
Mental health refers to a person\’s psychological wellness. It is an essential aspect of health that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Good mental health allows a person to cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and make meaningful contributions to their community.
A negative mental state can manifest in various ways like feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, and trouble concentrating. It can interfere with a person\’s ability to function effectively. Mental state can get affected by different factors, including genetics, life experiences, and environmental factors.
It is necessary to prioritize mental health to have a healthy, fulfilling life.
The significance of kid’s Mental health
A healthy mind is essential for children to think, learn, and grow to their full potential. It also helps them to form meaningful relationships and cope with the challenges of daily life.
Here are 4 reasons to give attention to kids’ mental health.
1. It develops the character of the kid
Children\’s mental health plays a determining role in their cognitive, emotional, and social development. A healthy mind enables children to think, feel, and behave, while poor mental health can interfere with these processes.
2. Improves academic performance
Kids who struggle with depression and anxiety, find it hard to concentrate on studies, complete assignments, and interact with others. Therefore, a positive mindset is mandatory for good grades.
3. Helps with networking
A disturbed mind avoids social interaction. They often fail to network. It affects their career.
4. Promotes healthy mind and body
A clear and balanced reason is essential for physical, emotional, and social development. Focusing on kids’ mental well-being can help them thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
The symptoms of a stressed kid
Often we fail to understand the signs of emotionally disturbed kids. These 6 signs will help you to detect if your child is depressed or not.
- You often find them anxious or irritated.
- They are suddenly sleeping for long hours.
- Difference in appetite.
- Struggling with concentration or finishing school homework.
- Refuses to go to birthday parties and play dates.
- They are experiencing stomach aches, headaches, nausea, or fatigue, which cannot be explained by a medical condition.
What schools can do to help kids tackle their emotional well being
There are 6 proven strategies that schools can utilize to restore the psychological well-being of kids:
1. Offer mental health resources
Schools can provide students with access to mental health professionals, such as school counselors or social workers, who can offer support and guidance to students who are struggling with their mental health.
2. Encourage self-care
Teach students about the importance of self-care. Provide opportunities for kids to practice mindfulness activities or relaxation techniques.
3. Foster a sense of community
Create a community of students to promote positive emotions.
4. Teach healthy coping mechanisms
Encourage kids to learn about healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress and emotions. Train them to think critically and communicate their feelings without any hesitation.
5. Give access to social support
Provide students access to social support through peer support groups, mentorship programs, or other social connections. This will help the kids feel connected to others.
6. Address any underlying issues
If there are underlying issues that may be contributing to a student\’s mental health, such as family issues, personal problems, or financial tension, schools can work with kids and their families to address these troubles and provide solutions as needed.
