On Thursday 22 February, members of the House of Lords debated the role of schools in caring for the mental health and wellbeing of pupils, and assisting in their development as community and family members.
Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green) put forward the debate.
This is a general debate. During debates, members put their experience to good use to discuss current issues and draw the government's attention to concerns.
Members speaking in the debate included:
- Baroness Hollins (Crossbench), former professor of psychiatry of disability at St George's University of London
- Lord Storey (Liberal Democrat), former headteacher
- Baroness Twycross (Labour), shadow spokesperson for education
- Baroness Tyler of Enfield (Liberal Democrat), officer for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Mental Health.
Opening the debate, Baroness Bennett said:
'In November 2023 NHS Digital estimated that 20% of eight to 16 year-olds had a probable mental health disorder.
'We need schools that are more democratic and more compassionate, caring and forgiving...They need to be far richer in art, culture, physical activity and play. That is the sort of schools that we need to care for the mental health and well-being of our future generations, to send them out into the world for a healthy, fulfilling and productive life.'
