Mental health of school children is a major issue in the education system: PM

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

The mental health of school children has become a major issue due to the existing education system, the competition created in the relevant sectors, and the situations arising within education, Prime Minister and Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya said.   

Addressing an event yesterday, she said that a proper system should be implemented to address the above issues, while finding ways to intervene and protect the mental health of students within society, the community, and families.   

Incidents such as suicides, attempted suicides, and self-harm have become increasingly common in the country, with these events being reported daily. It is not easy to simply blame schools, teachers, or parents. Instead of placing blame, we should focus on the underlying causes that put children under such stress.   

Therefore, the Prime Minister requested the Health Ministry that it is essential to implement a comprehensive mental health service that is sensitive to the needs of school children, teenagers, and the younger generation.   
We should search for measures to develop health services at orphanages, detention houses and mental health hospitals for children   

Policies should be made on absorbing technology to the education system.

The government alone cannot take full responsibility for the current mental health issues affecting children. Non-governmental organizations, private institutions, and international organizations must collectively contribute to addressing these issues.