The rising mental health crisis among children and adolescents is a glaring issue that education systems worldwide continue to neglect. Despite increasing cases of anxiety, depression, and even self-harm among young students, schools largely focus on academic achievement while sidelining emotional well-being. It is imperative that mental health be integrated into school curricula from the primary level to equip children with the skills to navigate life’s challenges effectively.
One of the biggest barriers to mental health support is the stigma attached to it. Children grow up internalizing that discussing emotions is a sign of weakness, and by the time they reach adolescence, they are conditioned to suppress distress. If mental health education begins early, it will normalize conversations around emotional well-being, encouraging children to seek help when needed. Just as we teach hygiene to prevent diseases, teaching emotional hygiene from a young age will create resilient individuals who can manage stress and setbacks.
Ignoring mental health in early education has dire consequences. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that 50% of all mental health disorders begin before the age of 14, yet most go undiagnosed due to lack of awareness. In India, child suicide rates are alarmingly high, often attributed to academic pressure, bullying, and lack of emotional support. Schools must act as safe spaces where children learn not just math and science but also coping mechanisms, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Without these essential skills, children grow into adults who struggle with relationships, productivity, and self-esteem.
Critics argue that mental health education may burden young minds with unnecessary complexities. However, teaching mental health is not about diagnosing disorders; it is about fostering emotional awareness, stress management, and social skills. Age-appropriate lessons on identifying emotions, handling conflict, and practicing mindfulness can be seamlessly woven into the curriculum. Moreover, research has shown that schools incorporating mental health programs report reduced absenteeism, improved behaviour, and better academic performance.
The onus is on policymakers to prioritize mental health education. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes holistic learning, yet mental health remains an afterthought. Teacher training programs must include mental health literacy so that educators can identify early signs of distress and provide necessary support. Additionally, every school should have a counsellor, just as they have physical education instructors.
It is high time we acknowledge that
mental well-being is as crucial as physical health. By integrating mental
health education from the primary level, we can cultivate a generation that
values self-care, emotional strength, and empathy. Schools must no longer be
pressure cookers of rote learning but nurturing environments that prepare
children for life, not just exams. The silence around mental health must be
broken, and it must begin in the classroom.
