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Schools Boost Mental Health Support for Students
12 Nov
Summary
- Teachers are first to spot mental health warning signs in students.
- CBSE mandates a 1:500 counselor-to-student ratio in affiliated schools.
- Mandatory training for all school staff on mental health awareness.
Schools are implementing enhanced mental health support frameworks, recognizing that behavioral changes in students may signal underlying concerns. Teachers are now tasked with identifying early warning signs such as aggression, social withdrawal, or academic decline, and referring students for counseling. This proactive approach is crucial for timely intervention before issues escalate into crises.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has strengthened its affiliation by-laws, mandating a socio-emotional counselor for every 500 students. Additionally, all teaching and non-teaching staff must undergo mandatory mental health training twice annually, covering psychological first aid and referral mechanisms.
In UT, the education department is working to meet the growing need for counselors in its 111 government schools, aiming to increase the current number of 85. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to integrate mental health literacy and support services into the school curriculum and daily operations.
The updated framework promotes a whole-school system, involving all stakeholders including parents, to ensure comprehensive mental wellbeing support. Private schools also offer counseling, with CBSE's revised norms providing a clearer structure for both socio-emotional and career guidance.
