Did you know 1 in 5 young people have a probable mental health condition?
This year’s theme for Children’s Mental Health Week is “Know Yourself, Grow Yourself” in partnership with Place2Be.
We want our students to feel listened too and know they’re not alone. It’s so important we understand what makes them tick, their likes and dislikes, strengths, fears, hopes and dreams. Being aware of how to listen and express themselves is a major part of building self-awareness.
It’s through knowing ourselves and speaking with others that they can build resilience, grow and develop.
At CTK…
This term, our Personal Development lessons have centred around mental health and wellbeing.
In Year 7, students explored what it meant to be healthy both inside and out. They learned about mental health and different strategies to take care of their well-being, and each student received a booklet to take home.
Year 8 students learned about emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Students delved into mindfulness and gained a better understanding of what depression was and how it could affect people.
In Year 9, the focus is on relationships and online interactions. Students discussed the difference between bullying and banter, explored personal growth, and learned about the impact of cyberbullying.
Year 10 covered important topics like self-image, body image in the media, and body positivity, including discussions around obesity. There was also a focus on mental health challenges related to mobile phone use, managing exam stress, and practicing mindful breathing.
Year 11 students worked on building self-esteem and understanding their values. They also had important conversations about topics like pornography, STIs, and coercive control. Plus, they developed useful mental health strategies through activities like mindful colouring, using an anxiety toolbox, practicing active listening, and exploring how social media affected self-esteem.
We have also been discussing mental health and wellbeing throughout the week in our Celebrations of the Word.
On our website, you can find organisations for Students and for Parents. alongside resources for How to Support Your Child which includes Helping with Exam Anxiety.
If you have any concerns about your child, you can contact your child’s form tutor or achievement leader.
Tips for Parents
- Encourage journaling – We encourage students to express their emotions and thoughts through journaling It can be less confronting that speaking out loud, and a helpful way to process what’s going on.
- Make space for reflection – When young people reflect on their different emotions, it can help them better understand themselves and what they need. Why not go for a walk in nature, try some mindful colouring or baking together?
- Be visual – Using imagery, like emojis and flashcards, can help young people recognise their feelings.
- Practice mindfulness – Live in the moment and enjoy mindful activities as a family. This can help young people be aware of their thoughts and emotions.
- Communicate – Feedback is crucial for helping us see our blind spots and gain greater insight, and young people are no different. Creating safe and supportive ways to share your own experience with your child can help them understand themselves and their impact on the world around them.
Click here to download a poster
We encourage all parents to take a look at the fantastic Resources and activities for Children’s Mental Health Week on the Place2Be website. You can also watch a series of videos where famous faces talk about how they deal with various types of anxiety – BAFTA self-awareness video series.
Tips for Students
- Be curious about your emotions – Take notice of your emotions and thoughts, either as they come up or maybe later in the day. You can use techniques like meditation or journaling to help you make sense of what’s going on.
- What matters most – our values are what make us tick, so reflect on what really matters to you. Are you ambitious, funny, kind, creative? Our beliefs can evolve and grow as we get older and have new life experiences, so if you’re feeling lost or confused, take a moment to think about what drives you.
- Feedback, feedback, feedback – Other people we know can often see things about us we miss. Something these can be areas to develop, and sometimes its our strengths. Either way, its great to have a friend, family member or teacher that can help spot our blind spots.
- Get creative – Creativity can often help us express emotions and show parts of ourselves that are sometimes hidden. If you’re feeling blue, painting might help. If you’re feeling happy, song and dance could be the creative outlet for you.