MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: SIGNIFICANCE AND RELEVANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION INITIATIVES IN SCHOOLS

Abstract

Mental health and well-being are considered essential prerequisites for an overall development of individuals as well as the global development of nations. Children and adolescents are more prone to developing mental health problems which leaves an adverse impact on their overall health and development leading to problems in academic achievement and social relationships. As a majority of children and adolescents spend considerable amount of time in schools, therefore, the school settings emerge as a crucial space and provide an ideal environment for the promotion of positive mental health and well-being among students. In this context, my paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the concept of mental health and well -being, focussing on the significance and relevance of mental health promotion in schools. It further specifies the various school based mental health promotion initiatives and interventions designed to improve mental health and well-being among students.