School

School is not a mental health issue directly, but it can affect someone's mental health. This issue is extremely important because the law states that school is compulsory to attend until you're 15 years old. You spend 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, 39 weeks of the year at school, and spending that long anywhere really has to have an effect on your mental health. When you're 15 you can say you have a choice of continuing school or leaving and trying to find a job. But if you're not at school it might mean there's no money coming in and that puts greater pressure on your parents. Anything that you're forced to do isn't going to feel too good.

A school environment is not liked by some young people, because it is mainly an adult led environment, where adults have a greater say in what happens, such as lessons, classes and the teachers who take those classes. Teachers also have to reinforce guidelines and rules which are set by the principal or the education department, and when something major happens then they have to answer to them.

Although teachers are usually outnumbered by students it is traditionally the teachers that have greater power. It is almost as if there is an unwritten rule that says the student must not take part in any decision unless the teacher feels that your views are worthwhile.

Bullying, going/not going to school, changing schools, favourite teachers and study areas are a few issues that could be positive or negative on your mental health.

Some positive aspects of school could include having supportive, trusted people around, such as a favourite teacher or people who are very important or special to you. Another good aspect of school is having a place that you can hang out or feel comfortable and safe in, like a study or common room or the library.

Some negative things that might make school a bad place to be could include bullying or harassment, changing schools, not being accepted for the sports team of your choice, having an illness, the travelling distance to school or differences such as sexuality, culture, religion, backgrounds and tastes.

So what do you get out of going to school (besides an education)? You make friends - good friends who are willing to listen and share things and go places with. You get to know people really personally. If you set goals at school and achieve them, you feel good knowing that you can do this. This doesn't necessarily mean straight A's either. It could be getting a good report or getting into the team.

If you have any negative issues at school, you might want to think about:

• Getting your school to get a buddy or peer support system up and running.
• Having orientation days.
• Making sure the harassment policy is clear, well understood, well displayed and advertised.
• Coming up with ways to celebrate diversity by having special days at school.

If you're a young person having to deal with some of those negative issues, some times it is good to talk to someone you feel comfortable talking to. This person maybe someone at school, such as a chaplain or teacher or someone who maybe is not directly involved in school.

Back to top