“Irish schools have been exemplary in recognising the importance of mental health”

As students return to the classroom for the 2022/23 school year, it’s a good time to reflect on the importance of the school experience to children’s wellbeing.

School plays a vital role in a young person’s psychological and emotional life. Alongside formal education, much of a young person’s self-esteem, social skills, emotional intelligence and happiness is determined by their school experiences.

Despite the many challenges presenting in the last three years, Irish schools have been exemplary in recognising the importance of mental health and in introducing extensive wellness programmes. This has been achieved through a partnership model involving young people themselves, teachers and parents. SPMHS’ Walk in My Shoes initiative seeks to support these efforts by providing advice and resources.

Our education system is continuously transitioning. The focus on wellness and mental health supports pupils, teachers and parents to cope with these changes positively and constructively. Driving wellness is not easy. It requires additional commitment and work by all the education partners. It demonstrates the child-centred ethos underpinning the Irish school system. There is no doubt that these efforts are worthwhile, enabling pupils, teachers and parents to be more aware of and accepting of their mental health, and making it more likely that those requiring additional support will reach out to obtain it.

The tremendous work being done in schools will serve in time to shape society’s attitudes to mental health; will encourage much needed reform of formal mental health services; and will result in additional mental health resources being made available to schools.

This coming year is likely to be as challenging as the last three. I want to wish all pupils, teachers and parents a fulfilling and happy academic year during which your mental health and wellness will be enhanced.