Schools need mental health support from care professionals
The first such support for second-level schools is being launched this morning, two days after an action plan on bullying which sets out new procedures for all schools on dealing with the issue.
The guidelines from the Department of Education’s National Educational Psychological Service and the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention set out how schools should cater for the wider school community on awareness of mental health, as well as those with mild or more severe problems that need the intervention of health professionals.
For those with more complex or longer-running mental health needs — schools are often faced with students whose needs they do not have the capacity to support — it is recommended that they refer them to a local GP with the consent and collaboration of parents.
“It is essential that schools develop relationships with local agencies and have names and contact details readily available,” say the guidelines.
With recent tragedies in mind, schools should also welcome the advice being given on how to support a student at risk of suicidal behaviour, as well as how to respond after a student suicide.
However, the guidelines launched by Education Minister Ruairi Quinn and minister of state for mental health Kathleen Lynch also place emphasis on general school awareness, particularly on addressing myths and stigma around mental health and suicide. Schools are being told they should ingegrate mental health and well-being across the curriculum, and directly involve students and parents in developing health promotion policies.
The acceptance and valuing of diversity among staff and students is also urged, and easy access should be provided to information about available supports.
All teachers will be expected to be identify students who may need help and refer them to the appropriate colleague, with guidance counsellors to play a key role in deciding what action to take.
Fianna Fáil claimed yesterday that cuts to guidance counselling services make a mockery of the Government’s €500,000 plan to tackle bullying and efforts to address youth mental health.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny insisted in the Dáil yesterday there would be no reversal of last year’s second-level budget staffing cut.
However, FF education spokesman Charlie McConalogue said the money assigned to the action plan on bullying comes as schools try to deal with the effects of bullying with one hand tied behind their backs.
“What happens when an ordinary member of a teaching staff is engaging with a student and refers them down the line to a qualified guidance counsellor? What happens when that student goes and knocks on the door and there’s nobody behind it?” he asked.
