KHDA census to know wellbeing of pupils
They worry that without the right grades, they will not have a successful future. By leaving these challenges unprocessed, this enables them to develop into anxieties.”
Dr Amy Bailey, clinical psychologist
Back in February, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced that it was launching a wellbeing census to maintain students’ happiness in Dubai schools.
In its first phase of a five-year project, the census will collect essential data from around 70,000 children in private schools here, in a bid to find out how they are coping in school.
Although schools are not legally obliged to house on-site counsellors here, the KHDA has encouraged schools to do so in a bid to address a student’s non-academic issues and it’s a move that has been heartily welcomed by child psychiatrists, parents and students alike.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr Amy Bailey, clinical psychologist and head of psychology at kidsFIRST Medical Centre, said having a counsellor within the school increases accessibility of support for young people.
“With significant mental health difficulties identified in today’s youth and knowledge that early intervention can boost resiliency and reduce more long-term mental health difficulties, this access is important.” When it comes to the main concerns of pupils here in the UAE, in her experience she said “high levels of anxiety” tops the list.
“They worry that without the right grades, they will not have a successful future. By leaving these challenges unprocessed, this enables them to develop into anxieties.”
She said children from cultures that are comfortable with accessing psychological support, tend to be more likely to do so as they do not experience shame in asking for this help. But she said in a society of mixed nationalities, issues of openness can be a challenge.
“That being said, a broad spectrum of nationalities access support and the stigma attached to psychology is less present. By having a counsellor as part of the school, this helps to normalise that all children and young people need support from time to time.”
Dr Bailey said what school counsellors can offer is “whole school programmes” (eg: sessions to a whole class on mindfulness) as they can ensure all children benefit from the presence of the counsellor in school. “This also makes the counsellor more accessible as he/she is someone familiar to the student.”
kelly@khaleejtimes.com