SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH: A BAROMETER FOR OUR TIMES

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This presentation will discuss a range of interventions that have been conducted in schools, from specific services for refugee children to global services for all children. The range of interventions span from the promotion of mental well-being to interventions aimed at either the prevention of mental illness or the treatment of established difficulties. The limitations of the evidence base and the challenges that the field needs to address will be examined with a focus on some of the ethical dilemmas that working in schools can raise. Methods: A school mental health and well-being survey of over 20,000 school-aged children (the OxWell School Survey) will also be presented to highlight new areas to be considered in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing disruption to school-aged children. Results: Current rates and student perceptions of needs will be presented. Conclusions: The limitations of the evidence base and the challenges that the field needs to address will be examined with a focus on some of the ethical dilemmas of working in schools. EBP, SAC, TREAT