First Mental Health Survey: All The Key Details Are Here

The government of India has conducted the Mental Health Survey for the very first time in the country, covering 379,842 school students from across the nation, intending to understand the student’s mental health and well-being. 

The survey was conducted in line with National Education Policy 2020, which also acknowledges the importance of mental health and well-being of an individual, especially among school children, to promote holistic development. 

The Manodarpan Cell of the Union Ministry (UN) of education and the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) conducted the survey online among 6-12 class students between January-March this year. It aims to provide psychosocial support to students, teachers, and families. 

The survey has been divided into two categories ━ the middle stage (class 6 to 8) and the second stage (class 9 to 12) ━ attempted to present students’ perceptions regarding personal self, social self, and academic perceptions. 

Personal self, here, relates with confidence. According to the reports, 55% of students feel confident about their physical appearance. “An individual’s perception of their physical appearance is an important aspect of self-worth. Dissatisfaction with body image/appearance can have harmful emotional, psychological and physiological effects,” the report stated.

Under the social self section, the different dimensions included social interaction, perception of qualities, behaviour in social situations and peer pressure. According to the reports, a large number of students, approx 85%, experience it, termed as a ‘serious social and health risk’.  

The reports defined academic perceptions as one of the significant aspects of a student’s life which impact the overall well-being; only 33% of the students are satisfied with their academic performance.  

Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Education Minister, said that the findings would be helpful for teachers, educational administrators, policy-makers and educationists to prepare and plan pragmatic policies & programmes that will focus on enhancing the mental well-being of students. This will further foster their overall growth and happiness. 

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Depending on the survey, the ministry gives recommendations that include: 

• The schools should prepare to address and nurture students’ mental and emotional well-being by developing care, trust and inclusive practices. 
• They also recommended including mental and emotional well-being at all stages of education in the school curriculum, along with the ‘teachers education curriculum’.
• The educational institutions should include the perceived need for help. 

Educationist Meeta Sengupta said, “Surveys are crucial because they keep policy-makers informed about ground realities in classrooms and the lives of learners. But it must be designed carefully to provide meaningful inputs useful to specific decisions and direction.”

How helpful will it be for the students, teachers and parents? Hopefully, it will bring some significant outputs!