What does the Esri recommend for school mental health support?

The Esri recommends that schools provide support for mental health needs that is clearly separate from general wellbeing measures.

Why is youth mental health a growing concern in schools?

Youth mental health is a growing global burden, with demand for quality care not keeping pace with increasing needs among young people.

How can Irish schools improve mental health support?

Irish schools can improve support by clearly separating universal wellbeing initiatives from targeted interventions and strengthening teacher mental health literacy.

Home / Education / Schools Need Separate Mental Health Support

Schools Need Separate Mental Health Support

20 Jan

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Summary

Schools require distinct mental health support, separate from general wellbeing.
Worsening youth mental health is a growing global burden.
Ireland's education system must boost teacher mental health literacy.

Schools Need Separate Mental Health Support

The Economic and Social Research Institute (Esri) recommends that schools implement support systems for children with mental health needs that are clearly distinct from general wellbeing measures. This distinction is crucial for addressing complex mental health difficulties effectively.

Research indicates that youth mental health and wellbeing are a worsening global burden, with demand for quality care outstripping availability. In Ireland, a significant percentage of young people report experiencing chronic emotional or psychiatric problems.

Schools are on the front lines of youth mental health. The Esri report emphasizes that policy must differentiate universal wellbeing programs from targeted interventions for students facing complex mental health challenges. Enhancing teacher mental health literacy and guaranteeing access to external supports are also vital.