Talking about mental health isn’t easy. But if tackled well, you could have a positive impact on a pupil’s emotional wellbeing for the rest of their life.
Mental health disorders in children are on the rise
According to NHS data, almost 13% of children aged five to 19 had a child mental health disorder in 2017. Shockingly, 5.5% were only 2-4 years old.
So it’s likely that at least one pupil in your classroom will be affected by mental health issues. Knowing this fact can make teaching about emotional wellbeing seem daunting, but we’re here to help.
It’s now a statutory requirement to teach pupils about mental health
The statutory guidance for Health Education recognises that the importance of good mental health in children and young people. All of our guidance documents and resources have been updated to include all mandatory requirements.
Irrespective of statutory requirements, teaching about emotional wellbeing as part of a comprehensive PSHE education curriculum is vital. It helps pupils cope with day to day stresses through managing their emotions, makes them more empathetic to others, and keeps them safe and healthy.
Talking about mental health openly in the classroom will help break down stigmas. So playing your part now, as your pupils grow, will have a positive impact on the future world we live in.
Teach about mental health and emotional wellbeing safely and confidently
We have resources available to help create a safe teaching environment for your pupils to feel comfortable talking about issues that can be uncomfortable or triggering. We also have guidance on safeguarding vulnerable pupils.
It’s important that you feel supported by your colleagues, and get training before teaching the more challenging areas of mental health. You can also contact us for one to one support.
