What schools and further education settings can do

What primary schools can do

Explore emotions through lessons and programmes

Thoughts can really influence and affect our moods. However, many children may not be aware when this is happening to them. Through effective teaching of RSHE, schools can help children learn about their emotions and learn strategies for regulating them. A number of universal and targeted school-based programmes can also prevent children being overwhelmed by low mood and supports them to learn effective coping skills to manage life’s ups and downs.

Build positive relationships with pupils

Positive relationships in the classroom/school that are built on trust, safety and security promote pupil wellbeing and help children affected by sad or low mood – encouraging them to open up and talk. Consider trying to engage children in after-school activities or clubs that they may show an interest in.

Involve your pastoral team

Some children will also need a little extra help either through school pastoral/counselling support, through discussion with your school nurse or through referral to community-based support. Depression, if persistent and unsupported, can lead to more severe symptoms such as suicidal thoughts and should always be taken seriously.

What secondary schools and further education settings can do

Normalise the discussion of emotions

One important way that secondary schools and further education settings can support students who may be experiencing depression is to normalise the regular discussion of feelings and emotions. This could be through regular wellbeing-themed assemblies, the teaching of RSHE, regular check-ins or tutor or form group discussions. This means that if young people do start to feel low or depressed, they may be more comfortable opening up.

Don’t deal with it alone

If you are worried about a student, always follow your safeguarding procedures as a matter of priority – don’t deal with it alone. When you have done that, and come up with a plan with your pastoral team, one of the things you may consider implementing is regular check-ins with the student, with an adult in the school that they trust.

Speak to students about how they are feeling

When you are speaking to a student about how they are doing, it’s important to ensure they don’t feel judged. Take what they’re saying seriously and express your concerns, but don’t over-react, and don’t try to minimise or dismiss what they are saying.

Signpost the different avenues of support available

It’s also important that young people are aware of the different support that is available for them in school. Highlight the support they can access regularly, through clear signposting – share information in hallways or classroom displays, or regularly reference support pathways in assemblies or other group activities.