How can African schools support children’s mental health? Research shows what works and what doesn’t
Originally published by The Conversation – Articles (AFRICA) — Read the original article →
Schools are often among the first places where emotional and behavioural difficulties become visible. Learners may start missing classes, withdrawing from friends or struggling academically.
Schools are strategically positioned for mental health intervention because of their centrality in the lives of children and adolescents. They are an important entry point for mental health responsive action that can reach large numbers of children and adolescents through existing systems.
The burden of child and adolescent mental health is especially urgent in Africa for three reasons. First, specialist mental health services are limited. Second, children face a combination of social, economic, health and humanitarian risks. And third, the continent has a young population. In 2024, 46% of Africa’s population were children under 18.
