Tackling the Big 5: Student Mental Health

As an ECT or educator at any level, you will play a crucial role in supporting students’ mental health and emotional literacy, as well as developing positive relationships with parents to ensure comprehensive support. Here are several ways educators can work towards this:

1. Creating a Supportive Environment: Educators can establish a classroom atmosphere that prioritises emotional well-being, where students feel safe, valued, and respected. This includes promoting open communication, empathy, and a sense of belonging among students.
2. Educational Programs and Initiatives: Implementing mental health education programs and initiatives can help students develop emotional literacy skills, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy. These programs can be integrated into the curriculum or offered as extracurricular activities.
3. Regular Check-ins and Supportive Conversations: Educators can conduct regular check-ins with students to assess their well-being and provide support when needed. These conversations can involve active listening, validation of feelings, and offering guidance on coping strategies.
4. Collaboration with Mental Health Professionals: Educators can collaborate with school counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals to identify students who may need additional support and to develop tailored intervention plans.
5. Engaging Parents and Caregivers: Educators can involve parents and caregivers in discussions about students’ mental health and emotional well-being. This can include providing resources, offering guidance on supporting their child’s mental health at home, and facilitating open communication channels between school and home.
6. Professional Development: Educators can participate in professional development opportunities focused on mental health awareness, trauma-informed teaching practices, and strategies for supporting students’ social-emotional development.
7. Promoting Positive Coping Mechanisms: Educators can teach students healthy coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, and problem-solving skills, to help them manage stress and navigate challenges effectively.

We work with some brilliant organisations within the education world who provide training and support. One of these groups is Bridge the Gap. Bridge the Gap are a fantastic organisation that offers online support for educators, parents and students. The following lessons detail an insight into their work and brief points that explain how you can begin to support children’s mental health and emotional literacy. In the materials section of this course you can find some helpful resources that Bridge the Gap offer via their website.

Begin your learning by watching this video explaining what mental health is.