The rise in mental health problems among young men is highly concerning and a trend that urgently needs to be addressed. Schools can, and should, play a key part in the solution.
As deputy head of wellbeing at our all-boys’ school, here is my advice on how schools can support student wellbeing:
Supporting boys’ mental health and wellbeing
1. Mental health education
Following the return to school after the easing of Covid restrictions, we could not expect students to simply bounce back. Mindful that healing takes time and that mental health support must be ongoing, we devised a personal, social and health education (PSHE) programme in response to the pandemic years and embedded it into the curriculum.
The programme helps students to better understand and process their emotions, using a mindfulness approach that encourages reflection, communication and stress management. Students also learn skills and techniques to maintain positive wellbeing and boost mental fitness, be it choosing a nutrient-dense lunch option, spending time outside with friends or carrying out a five-minute breathing technique.
By opening up conversation and providing a forum to talk, teachers can help boys to understand more about mental health and identify ways to support their own wellbeing, while providing reassurance that the school can help when things get too much. This is particularly important with young men, who often face social pressures to “man up” and put on a strong front when managing difficult emotions.
2. Encourage a healthy lifestyle
Schools must encourage young people to take part in different sports, eat nutrient-rich foods and get enough sleep to boost their wellbeing.
For example, mental health charity Mind highlights how a lack of sleep negatively impacts self-esteem and causes stress and anxiety, while also impairing cognitive function. Educating young people on the relationship between sleep and mood helps them to take control of their own mental wellbeing.
We have found that exposing boys to positive male role models, such as a professional rugby player speaking up about his mental health, has a profound effect on their understanding of the connection between lifestyle and wellbeing.
3. Build a strong community
The importance of social connection for mental wellbeing cannot be understated. Research by the Mental Health Foundation shows that high levels of social cohesion relate to lower rates of mental health issues and higher rates of life satisfaction.
Building a strong sense of community at school is pivotal to the happiness of pupils. Our house system helps boys to develop close relationships with peers as they progress through school and take part in various social activities together.
4. Implement a robust mental wellbeing policy
Every school should have a robust mental wellbeing policy, with a dedicated team and processes to help young people.
Ensuring that the correct systems are in place to guide and support students is vital, not only to manage the mental health concerns of an individual but also to consistently promote good wellbeing at school. This includes having designated wellbeing staff and giving students access to resources that benefit their mental wellbeing.
In the unfortunate case that a child experiences a mental health illness, these systems can be quickly escalated to give the pupil the professional attention they need.
5. Offer mental health training to staff
Regular mental health training for staff ensures that pupils receive the very best care. This training can encompass how to respond to a distressed student, helping young people through their exams and knowing when is best to check in with a child.
A designated wellbeing team or staff member that students can speak to is highly beneficial in schools. Young people thrive when they feel understood and heard, which can be challenging in a class surrounded by other students. Offering students a person and space for them to go to express themselves without fear of judgement or recrimination is invaluable for their mental health.
By placing wellbeing at the centre of the curriculum, we provide boys with the tools to manage difficult situations and overcome obstacles, and we foster positive mental health. In the week that World Mental Health Day took place, this must be the priority for all schools.
Danny Rowlands is deputy head of wellbeing at Merchiston Castle School, in Edinburgh, Scotland’s only all-boys’ independent boarding school
