Thirteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

For most countries the vision is an education system where strong mental health and wellbeing are at the heart of the culture and ethos of all schools. Schools should aim to be hubs of wellbeing for all staff and children. This paper is based on research which employed qualitative and quantitative methodology to assess and review the mental health interventions in schools across Northern Ireland. It highlights that despite the increased prevalence of poor mental health amongst children and young people interventions are fragmented and not embedded in the curriculum. It outlines the benefits for schools of an evidence based approach and sets out the key challenges for schools. Schools need to to be better supported by partners in healthcare and the community and voluntary sector as research shows half of lifetime mental health problems start by the age of fourteen.