The SecEd Podcast: Mental health in schools

This episode offers practical advice and ideas for how secondary schools can support and protect the mental health of their students.

NHS data shows that almost one in five students aged 7 to 16 have a probable mental disorder. Our experts discuss the most pressing issues they are seeing and offer advice for how schools can respond.

We discuss creating a mentally healthy school culture, whole-school strategies, the role of the mental health lead, tips for things we can do to make a difference, building resilience after Covid, and staff CPD.

We advise teachers on how to handle interactions with students who are struggling, what to say & do in moments of crisis, what to do if you have concerns, and other tips for conversations with vulnerable young people.

And we discuss specific challenges including anxiety, low mood/ depression, loneliness, as well as the signs of change in pupils that may signal mental health issues.