Mental health status of school students in India: The role of school-based family counselling

Holistic education that promotes children’s well-being is the core objective of schools. Despite all the sincere efforts by the authorities of most schools across society, with some variations, many school children experience a range of adversities which mostly go unnoticed. This article attempts to highlight some of the major adversities faced by school children up to higher secondary levels in India. A summary of the available secondary literature indicates that school children experience adversities like academic stress, caused by parental pressure, abuse and neglect, including corporal punishment, family violence, social discrimination, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and suicide. Evidence also suggests a supportive family environment and positive parent-child relationship minimise adversities and mental health challenges. Mental health support facilities are missing in most of the schools in India. In the given situation, school-based family counselling is recommended, which would benefit school children in addressing the issues they face. Further research that addresses the effectiveness and scalability of school-based mental health programs is needed as well as prioritising child protection as a national agenda.