NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday chaired a review meeting with officials, committee members and domain experts to discuss the proposed draft National Mental Health and Well-Being Policy for Schools, an initiative aimed at strengthening mental health support across the school ecosystem.The meeting focused on the development of a comprehensive framework that addresses the mental well-being of students, teachers and the wider school community. Discussions centred on creating practical and sustainable mechanisms that can be integrated into everyday school functioning.Focus on safe and supportive school environmentsAccording to details shared by the Ministry of Education, the deliberations emphasised the importance of building safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments where students can develop academically as well as emotionally.Pradhan highlighted the need for schools to foster a positive culture rooted in empathy, trust, care and mutual respect. The discussions also explored ways to strengthen emotional resilience among students and ensure that mental well-being becomes an essential component of the overall educational experience.The proposed policy seeks to move beyond crisis intervention and encourage a broader preventive approach to mental health within schools. Officials and experts examined methods through which schools can identify concerns early and provide timely support to students.Teachers seen as first-level mentorsA key theme of the meeting was the role of teachers in promoting student well-being. Pradhan stressed that teachers should serve as the first level of mentors and support systems for students facing emotional or psychological challenges.The discussions explored how educators can be equipped with the necessary awareness and skills to recognise signs of distress and provide guidance within the school environment. The policy is expected to place significant emphasis on teacher engagement and capacity building.Integration with education and Indian Knowledge SystemsThe minister also underscored the need to integrate mental health and well-being into school systems, practices and implementation frameworks as an integral part of quality education.Officials stated that the proposed policy should draw upon Indian Knowledge Systems and cultural traditions while remaining practical and implementable across diverse educational settings. The objective is to create a framework that can be adopted by schools across the country while addressing local needs and realities.The review meeting forms part of the ongoing process of finalising the draft National Mental Health and Well-Being Policy for Schools. Once completed, the framework is expected to guide schools in strengthening mental health awareness, support mechanisms and well-being practices for students and educators alike.
