According to experts, there is an urgent need for policy action to promote the mental well-being of adolescents and sensitization of teachers is an important aspect of school-based mental health.
State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Bihar director Sajjan R said, “Promoting the well-being of students is important for their mental health, educational attainment and overall development. This is also the focus of the NEP.” 2020.
“The role of schools and teachers in ensuring this cannot be stressed enough. Resilience and wellness are being incorporated into all of our teacher training, and the first orientation of 40,000 teachers was recently completed,” he said.
Sajjan made the remarks at a one-day conference on “Promoting Adolescent Well-Being in Every School: Bihar Leads the Way” to help formulate strategies to address the urgent need among policy makers, educators and mental health experts. A brainstorming session was observed for
“We hope to reach every middle school in Bihar so that students can learn about their strengths, become resilient and stay mentally healthy in difficult times. The department is committed to integrating wellness into the state training curriculum and textbooks and introducing Committed to orient the teachers. identification and psychosocial support,” he said.
According to Urvashi Prasad, Director, Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office, NITI Aayog, an important aspect of school-based mental health and wellness programs is the sensitization and training of teachers.
“I am glad to learn about the role teachers play in promoting the mental health of children and adolescents,” he said.
Adolescents in all government middle schools and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) in Bihar are receiving a wellness program through a three-year collaboration between the Government of Bihar and Corestone, a non-profit organization that focuses on indoor health and wellness. works to promote. Being among marginalized and vulnerable youth.
Programs integrate evidence-based practices from the fields of emotional resilience, positive psychology, social-emotional learning, and conflict resolution with adolescent health training to improve mental and physical wellness, school engagement, self-advocacy, social skills, and relationships. Are. Youth.
The NCERT had last year surveyed school students about their views on mental health and well-being.
The survey revealed that students feel responsible for doing well in school, like school in general, but also feel anxious and have mood swings related to studies and exams, which are important factors in ensuring good mental health of school children. points to the need for a holistic approach.