School stress makes youngsters ‘suicidal’
PRESSURES at school are making pupils suicidal, teachers warn. Almost half (49%) of education staff said some secondary school pupils have been suicidal because of stress they are under, according to a survey of the National Education Union (NEU), released at the ATL section annual conference.
Eighty-one per cent of those in secondary schools reported examples of pupils self-harming as a result of pressures they face.
The NEU surveyed 730 education staff working in early years, primary, secondary, sixth-form colleges and FE colleges across the UK, including 49 schools in Wales.
More than half (56%) reported that pupils’ mental health issues are leading to self-harm, 45% reported pupils having eating disorders and 48% said pupils were having panic attacks.
Almost seven in 10 (68%) respondents said they believe their school or college is having to deal with more pupil mental health issues than five years ago.
The results of the anonymous survey also show that schools and colleges are having to do more and more to support very vulnerable pupils, but are ill-equipped to do so.
Comments from teachers included one who said: “Mental health and well-being of our pupils is the most significant barrier to learning that I have experienced as a teacher.”
Another told the survey: “In my opinion, pressure to meet the socalled ‘expected standard’ is too great; some pupils will get there but are not ready in their year group and this constant feeling of not being good enough chips away at selfesteem. The enjoyment and love of learning is being stripped away, particularly for boys.”
In Wales counselling has been available to all pupils aged 11 to 18 since 2013.
Responding to the NEU survey findings, a Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The emotional, physical and mental wellbeing of our pupils is paramount and central to our national mission for education – whether that’s working with the teaching profession in planning the new curriculum or ensuring that pupils are supported through their exams and the rest of their education. We place great value on counselling provision and that’s why counselling has been available for learners in year six and all 11 to 18 year olds in Wales since 2013. Figures from 2016/17 show that referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) accounted for only 3.6 per cent in 2016/17.
“Last year we also announced funding for a pilot for CAMHS in reach support for schools in three local health board areas. CAMHS professionals will support teachers to deal with mental health issues within their competence and will also be the link to specialist services where necessary.”