The education system needs to be reoriented towards wellbeing if children and young people are to overcome a complex web of challenges and live fulfilled and happy lives, says Anna Smee
According to the NHS, almost one in five young people now have a probable mental health disorder – up from one in nine before the pandemic (Newlove-Delgado et al, 2022).
Behind those huge numbers are thousands of real lives; children and young people struggling with a perfect storm of factors. These include an increasing emphasis on academic achievements, the fallout of the pandemic on their education and family lives, and wider concerns about the economy, climate change and instability both at home and abroad.
Life is just as tough for the teachers, teaching assistants, parents and carers trying to help these young people navigate their way through these complex challenges.
