The school will conduct an open dialogue to address mental health

Dubai, Jan 27, 2022: The Indian Academy (TIA) is launching the ‘Happy You’ initiative to place  focus on the importance of children’s mental health. The school will also conduct an open dialogue to address mental health to mark Children’s Mental Health Week.

TIA will address issues that are affecting students at present, including peer pressure, cyber-bullying, feelings of inadequacy, academic pressure, impact of social media and the pandemic among others. The teachers will address several of these issues by having an open dialogue, showing easy-to-understand videos and inviting experts to show support and promote good mental health.

According to UNICEF, more than one in seven adolescents aged 10–19 is estimated to live with a diagnosed mental disorder globally – and feel the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on their mental health and well-being. 

Susan Varghese, Principal, The Indian Academy says, “When students feel safe, respected and listened to, they are better able to learn, engage positively with their education and make better choices – which will help create a more resilient community when they leave their school as young adults.”

The awareness week (also in line with the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031) helps teachers and staff to have a positive conversation, identify students who need mental health support and those children who need specialist help, get it as soon as possible, says a statement from the school.