Parents want schools to "address this critical issue”, according to the
PSHE Association, who commissioned the poll of 1,294 parents from YouGov.
The
Associationsaid it has gathered "strong evidence" that schools are highly concerned about their capacity to support pupils’ emotional health.
Of 400 educators recently surveyed, 76% said they wanted more support on teaching about young people’s mental health, more than any other issue covered by PSHE education, and up from 65% in a similar survey last year.
In response, the
PSHE Associationhas made emotional wellbeing the theme of its annual conference taking place today.
Chief Executive Joe Hayman said:
"The reality is that while there are huge opportunities for young people today, they also face big challenges.
"We want to work with schools to help them to play their part in addressing these concerns.
"PSHE education covers a wide range of subjects, from drugs and alcohol education to financial capability. For mental health to come out as the area in which our members most want support shows what a significant issue it is for schools today."
The
PSHE Associationwill today hold a major national conference looking at how to support pupil’s emotional wellbeing and mental health through classroom learning.
With 175 practitioners from schools, local authorities and leading voluntary sector bodies in attendance, and a keynote address from Education Minister Lord Nash, the conference will be an opportunity to address key issues such as resilience and self-esteem.
Lucie Russell, director of campaigns at leading mental health charity Young Minds, added:
"The YouGov/
PSHE Associationsurvey shows that parents don’t just want schools to relentlessly pursue high performing results.
"They want schools to focus on building pupils’ self-esteem and resilience and develop the capacity to deal with life, complete with all its ups and downs.
"With three children in every classroom suffering from a diagnosable mental health problem it’s vital that young people are able to develop the ability to look after themselves but also to know how and where to get help if they need it.
"Strong academic results go hand in hand with wellbeing and good mental health, so teaching about mental health and wellbeing is a win-win all round."
For more information on today's conference, visit the
PSHE
Association
website.