State initiative aims to tackle rising cases of student stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues in classrooms
In a significant step to address mental health challenges among school children, the Kerala Government has launched a plan to train nearly 3,000 schoolteachers as certified mental health counselors. The initiative, led by the State Education Department and supported by mental health experts, aims to equip teachers with essential counseling skills to support students facing emotional distress, academic stress, behavioral issues, and substance abuse concerns.
Rising Need for Mental Health Support in Schools
According to state officials:
- Schools in Kerala have reported an increase in student anxiety, exam stress, and social withdrawal post-pandemic.
- Behavioral issues linked to excessive screen time, peer pressure, and bullying are on the rise.
- Early intervention through teachers could prevent long-term mental health disorders.
Key Highlights of the Teacher Training Program:
- Teachers will undergo training in basic counseling techniques, active listening, and stress management tools.
- The program includes awareness sessions on recognizing signs of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal tendencies.
- Schools will create a safe and open environment for children to express their emotional struggles.
The initiative will be first rolled out in government and aided schools, and later expanded to private institutions across the state.
Kerala’s Ongoing Mental Health Drive
Kerala has been a pioneer in student wellness programs, with previous initiatives like:
- “Sahajeevanam”: Community mental health outreach in schools.
- School social work models providing counseling in collaboration with the Social Justice Department.
“Empowering teachers to identify and support students’ mental health needs is critical to creating emotionally safe schools,” said an official from the Education Department.
Source: Times of India – Govt to train teachers as mental health counsellors
