ROLE OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN FOSTERING MENTAL WELL BEING

 INTRODUCTION:

The pandemic-led lockdown triggered a spike in mental health problems, particularly among children and teenagers. Several factors such as the child's developmental stage, present educational standing, whether or not he/she has special needs, a pre-existing mental health condition, and economic adversity influenced the severity of the impact. Measures such as closing schools and activity centers for extended periods have led to feelings of isolation anxiety and uncertainty. As a result, there is a need to improve access to mental and emotional support.

ROLE OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS:

Educational institutions must encourage students to make healthy lifestyle choices recognize the effects of these decisions on their health and well-being and be a resource to help them grow and help them grow holistically. Promoting students' mental health and well-being has a central role in educational journals: it builds resilience against adversity, creates protective factors against mental ill health, and equips them with skills and confidence to seek help for early intervention.

MENTAL HEALTH AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT:

In a safe setting, students should be encouraged to think critically, analyze information, and understand the influence of society through media, peer pressure, and family values. Further, mental health and academic achievement are related to one another. Students who are emotionally well are more likely to experiment with new ideas and ways of problem-solving, both of which are key components of academic achievement.

STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH:

Using student-centered teaching strategies that promote a pleasant environment and students well well-being such as cooperative learning.

Combating bullying and harassment by establishment groups and other student-led activities.

Developing a curriculum that addresses and supports positive mental health.

Having a dedicated team that focuses on wellness initiatives and works with vulnerable pupils.

Establishing policies and processes that promote well-being.

CONCLUSION:

When educational institutions have a safe and joyful atmosphere, the student's academic results improve, as do behavioral and mental health issues. In a majority of cases, mental health issues began in tweens. So instead of sitting back and waiting for students to approach them for help, educators must get out there and talk to them in a face-to-face classroom setting, conduct group discussions to learn more about their perceptions of mental health, and, most importantly, use classroom time to talk about issues that affect us on a daily basis.