Why Schools Fail to Grow

The purpose of establishing schools and the goal of sending children to these institutions are fundamentally integrated. Both aim to foster the development of well-rounded, motivated, and successful learners. If we neglect the mental health of these learners, the effectiveness and sustainability of our educational systems come into question. 

Schools are designed to nurture not just academic skills but also social, emotional, and personal development. The ultimate goal is to produce individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of thriving in society. The aim of education is to equip students with the skills and mindset needed for future challenges.  A great learner is one who is curious, engaged, and resilient. 

These qualities are nurtured in a supportive environment that prioritises mental health and well-being.

According to World Health Organisation! Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life,realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. 

unfortunately our educational institutions often overlook the importance of students' mental health, which can have profound consequences for both individual learners and the overall educational environment.

One of the famous example among common educational institutions is The Assembly Practice:

The practice of inspecting students for personal cleanliness traits like nail trimming and dental hygiene during school assemblies is indeed a longstanding tradition in many educational systems. However, this approach can have several negative effects on students' mental health and overall motivation. Here’s how it impacts them.

Ignoring student self respect and mental health may lead towards:

Increased Dropout Rates: Neglecting mental health can contribute to higher dropout rates. Students who do not feel supported or understood are less likely to stay engaged in their education.

Diminished Learning Potential: Mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or stress, can severely limit a student’s ability to learn and perform. If students are preoccupied with their mental health struggles, their academic focus and engagement will wane, leading to poor outcomes.

Reinforcement of Negative Patterns: A school culture that overlooks mental health can perpetuate cycles of poor mental health among students, leading to a workforce that is less motivated and productive. The fear of being criticised or judged can demotivate students, leading to disengagement from school activities and academic pursuits. 

Harmful Sentences That Can Disturb Students' Mental Health

Certain comments or phrases can negatively affect students' mental well-being, including:

"You're not good enough." – This statement can undermine self-confidence and discourage students from trying again after failure.

"Why can't you be more like your sibling/classmate?" – Comparing students can create feelings of inadequacy and lower self-esteem.

"You'll never succeed if you keep doing this." – This discourages students from making mistakes, which are essential for learning and growth.

"You always mess things up." – Labelling students as failures can make them believe they are incapable of improvement.

"Stop being so sensitive." – Dismissing a student's feelings invalidates their emotions and may prevent them from seeking help in the future.

"Just get over it." – This statement minimises the seriousness of what the student is experiencing, potentially worsening their mental health.

"You're too lazy/unmotivated." – Attributing poor performance solely to a lack of effort ignores potential underlying mental health issues.

these circumstances impact school's success and reputation.

Ensuring Growth and Success in the Educational System

To promote the growth and success of educational systems, it is essential to:

Integrate Mental Health Support:

Schools must incorporate mental health education and support services into their framework. This can include counselings, workshops on emotional intelligence, and programs that foster resilience and coping strategies.

Create a Supportive Environment:

Schools should cultivate an inclusive and accepting atmosphere where students feel safe to express their feelings and challenges. This encourages open dialogue and reduces stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Educate Staff and Parents:

Training teachers and school staff to recognise mental health issues and respond appropriately is vital. Involving parents in mental health education can also create a supportive home environment.

Foster a Culture of Growth Mindset:

Encouraging a growth mindset—where challenges are seen as opportunities for learning—can help students develop resilience and a positive outlook toward their education.

Monitor and Evaluate:

Regularly assessing the mental health and well-being of students can help schools identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes to better support their learners.

Promoting a Positive School Culture: Schools can foster a culture of acceptance and support, where differences are celebrated rather than judged. Initiatives focused on kindness and exclusivity can help improve peer relationships.

Encouraging Open Dialogue:

Creating an environment where students can express their concerns and challenges without fear of judgement can help improve their confidence and mental well-being.