**Children’s Mental Health Support a ‘Priority’, Minister Says**
In a recent statement, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou emphasized the importance of building mental resilience in children from an early age as schools enhance support services to address mental health, bullying, and violence. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency on Thursday, she outlined the ministry's commitment to equipping students with essential skills to recognize risks, seek help, and maintain their mental wellbeing, starting from preschool.
Michaelidou highlighted that fostering mental resilience is crucial for students, as it goes beyond merely protecting them from visible dangers such as substance abuse and online threats. “It has more to do with the mental strength that they must have to be able to talk to experts, to be able to ask for help to stay mentally healthy,” she stated.
The ministry has taken significant steps to strengthen both the legal and educational frameworks addressing school violence. New protocols have been introduced to ensure that support for pupils is actionable rather than theoretical. According to Michaelidou, data from police reports indicate that children are increasingly willing to speak out about their issues, often confiding in teachers about violence at home and other personal challenges.
While acknowledging the vital role schools play in supporting children's mental health, Michaelidou clarified that schools cannot replace specialized services. “Although schools and teachers do deal with children, ultimately, they are not the police, and a school is not a mental health centre,” she said, underscoring the need for professional intervention in certain situations.
To enhance the support available within schools, the ministry is expanding pastoral care by strengthening the role of form tutors. This initiative allows tutors dedicated time to discuss issues affecting students outside of regular classroom activities. Furthermore, the ministry is evaluating reforms aimed at improving school counselling services, with a pilot program already underway in primary schools to facilitate direct access to counselors for students.
In addition to these measures, Michaelidou pointed out the ongoing efforts to upgrade educational psychology services, which includes increasing the number of psychologists available in schools. This move is part of a broader strategy to ensure that students have access to mental health resources within their educational environment.
The minister also stressed the importance of collaboration between schools and families, noting that the wellbeing of children relies on consistent support from both educational institutions and home environments. By fostering an integrated approach to mental health, the ministry aims to create a supportive ecosystem that prioritizes the emotional and psychological needs of students.
As the education sector in Cyprus continues to adapt to the evolving challenges faced by children, the initiatives outlined by Minister Michaelidou reflect a proactive stance toward enhancing mental health support in schools. The focus on early intervention and the development of resilience skills aims to equip the next generation with the tools necessary to navigate their mental health challenges effectively.