Mental health guidelines for schools ‘need backup’

School groups and mental health agencies say new guidelines to help schools promote positive mental health and prevent suicide will only be effective if they are backed up with proper training and resources.

The guidelines offer second-level schools clear structures on how to cater for mental health promotion among all students. But with one in 10 children and teenagers experiencing mental health difficulties, they are also being advised on how to support those with signs of difficulties and students who need more immediate help from outside services.

While most schools will already have such systems in place, they will now be required to make them part of clear policies.