The Indian Academy Launches ‘Happy You’ Initiative to Mark Children’s Mental Health Week

Children’s Mental Health Week 2022 runs from February 1st – 7th every year .

In this regard, The Indian Academy (TIA) will be launching the ‘Happy You’ initiative to put a spotlight on the importance of childrens mental health .

Susan Varghese, Principal

According to UNICEF, more than 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10-19 is estimated to live with a diagnosed mental disorder globally – and are feeling the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on their mental health and well-being .

TIA wants to address a range of issues that are affecting students today; including peer pressure, cyber-bullying, feelings of inadequacy, academic pressure, impact of social media and the pandemic among others .

All its teachers will address several of these issues by having an open dialogue, showing easy-to-understand videos and inviting experts to show support and promote good mental health .

“We believe that with prevention and early intervention, we can address several issues affecting these young minds and show them they have the support they need,” said Susan Varghese, Principal .

“Creating a positive mental health culture is of paramount importance in all our schools and is just as important as academic learning .

When students feel safe, respected and listened to, they are better able to learn, engage positively with their education and make better choices – which will help create a more resilient community when they leave their school as young adults .

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The awareness week (also in line with the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031) helps teachers and staff to have a positive conversation, identify students who need mental health support, and those children who need specialist help, get this as soon as possible .