The current emphasis of our education system primarily revolves around subjects and exam outcomes rather than nurturing essential life skills, such as decision-making abilities, recreational pursuits, and other crucial 21st-century skills. Mental Health of Adolescence is being neglected in schools of India. Consequently, this approach has led to a rise in depression among adolescents. On May 13th, 2023, the Hindustan Times published a headline that read, “Class 12 girl dies by suicide in Haryana’s Sonepat after CBSE result” Sadly, this news story is not an isolated incident; our media is inundated with similar reports of despair and loss.
Factor affecting Mental health of Adolescence
There are many factors which affect the mental health of adolescence. The more risk factors adolescents are exposed to, the greater the potential of adverse impact on their mental health. Factors that can contribute to stress during adolescence include exposure to adversity, pressure to conform with peers and exploration of identity. Media influence and gender norms can exacerbate the disparity between an adolescent’s lived reality and their perceptions or aspirations for the future. Other important determinants include the quality of their home life and relationships with peers(WHO, 2021).
Following are some common factor which adversely affect the mental health of adolescence:
- Any physical illness
- Family background
- Genetic reasons
- learning disorders
- Bullying in School
- poor family discipline
- Substance used disorder or exposure to drugs
- Exposure to violence at home or school
- Academic Failure
- Migration or transfer of school
- Sexual abuse
- Physical abuse
- emotional abuse
- Malnutrition
- Discrimination
Preventive Factors
As a parent, teacher or school leaders, we can help in preventing from adverse affect on mental health of students by observing their daily routine and habits. Following are some preventive measure for mental health of adolescence:
- Age-appropriate physical development
- Yoga
- Practicing Meditation
- Good Self-esteem
- Rewards and reinforcement
- development of problem solving skills
- development of decision making skills
- career guidance at early age
- practicing craft
- sports activity as a part of daily routine
- involvement in family decisions
- give respect to the view points of adolescence
- development of Social skills and 21 century skills
- nutritious food
- opportunities for leisure
- connecting with community
- Mind exercise
- involvement in school functioning
- realizing one’s existence and importance
Concerns in Schools
Examination pressure is not the only concern; students are reported with substance use disorder, depression, and other mental health issues. Adolescence is a transitional period of development and it is the time of dynamic changes in the mind. At this age students must have understanding of their interests, strengths; and values, and providing guidance for aligning those with suitable career options is very important.
Facilitating students’ learning by understanding the pedagogical tools and by identifying the learning blocks is also the soul responsibility of school heads and teachers. Above all discipline in the life of students help them to train their mind and body which enables them to focus on their goals and to regulate their emotions. The Theory of Mistaken Goals and positive discipline by Dreikurs, Swizerland and Jane Nelson, USA can help in creating a disciplined environment in school. Understanding the neural basis is the key to understand the children of this age.
Readiness for addressing mental health of adolescences
Neither our education system is ready for dealing with mental health nor are our teachers efficient in handling 21st century challenges. Therefore, for dealing with issues among adolescents, preparing teachers and School leaders for addressing mental health of adolescence is need of the hour. So that the youth of the state can be given right direction for dealing with 21st century challenges.
What NEP 2020 says about Capacity Building of school teachers and leaders
NEP 2020 also identified ‘investing in teacher education and continuing professional development of teachers’ as the key long term thrust area for financing to cultivate an education system (26.4. Pg-62). The document emphasized that Teachers as well as School Leaders will be given continuous opportunities for self-improvement and to learn the latest innovations and advances in their professions. (5.15. & 5.16. pg-23)
Rajni is an accomplished education professional who holds a PhD in Education and MPhil and MA degrees in Economics. She has extensive experience in research, having published over 16 research articles in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to articles in an edited book. Additionally, Rajni has authored a book in the field of education.
Rajni is passionate about making a difference in the field of education. She is an aspirant who is eager to do something innovative and valuable and is constantly striving towards creating a positive impact. She believes that education is a powerful tool which can change lives and that every student deserves access to quality education.
Rajni has a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to her profession. She is driven by her passion to learn, explore and contribute to the growth of the education sector. Her knowledge and experience in Economics and Education, combined with her intellectual curiosity and research skills, place her in a unique position to push the boundaries and creatively tackle complex challenges in the education field.
Overall, Rajni is an accomplished and driven professional who is poised to continue making a meaningful contribution in the field of education.