Student mental health: Principals see more and more crises

This study underlines the still tangible repercussions of the pandemic in the corridors of schools and in the classrooms.

We are still picking up the pieces with some children. We see this not only with employees but especially with students, especially with mental health problems and deficiencies in self-control. We need to provide them with supportasks Patti Baker, principal of the Lester B. Pearson School of Art. She has been principal in the Thames Valley School Division for 22 years.

Children are really good at adapting, but we have to be careful that even if we think they adapt well, we have to check that they really are.she adds.

More than 1,000 principals across Ontario have reported to People for Education that they see several problematic behaviors, deficiencies in self-discipline and unaddressed mental health issues.

Many point out that they do not have access to social workers or psychologists.

Elementary school teachers’ federation president Craig Smith says more and more mental health work is being left to teachers and principals.

The report quite rightly asserts that employees and, by extension, students as well as the system as a whole are under disturbing strain and perhaps even distress when it comes to mental health issues.he explains.

We need to take mental health issues seriously for students and for staff, including teachers and principals. It has to be done quickly.

Mr. Smith recognizes that the demand is growing for mental health services in all their forms.

There are plans but nothing that adequately supports the implementation of those plans to ensure staff and students have the support they need.

He adds that teachers are not mental health professionals and therefore cannot provide this type of service.

According to Patti Baker, some children derail faster, while others have longer and stronger seizures. For her, the staff in place do the maximum.

We try to do everything we can for everyone all the time and there are plenty of resources available for students and staff.she explains.

Returning to the classroom after the pandemic required adaptation from everyone in the schools, notes John Marinelli, principal of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School.

I would say the problem is bigger and more serious, but there are also more students who need support. There is a higher frequencyhe points out.

Andrea Harvey is the Director of Mental Health Services for the London District Catholic School Division. According to her, it is important to detect student problems as early as possible.

Social workers are assigned to all our schools. Principals can consult them and assign students to them for personalized interventionsshe explains.

I think the pandemic has brought the issue of mental health to light and also created a space to talk about it and to reduce the stigmashe concludes.

With information from Kate Dubinski