By Charlotte Webster-
The Dutchess Of York has highlighted the importance of addressing mental health as one of the most serious issues that goes back to early years of education. Speaking at the Mental Health in Education conference hosted by The Royal Foundation, at Mercers’ Hall, East London, she made reference.
The Duchess Of York humbly admitted being naive as a parent of the important particularly the early years are for children’s futures. She highlighted the root cause of many of today’s social problems as being traceable to the earliest years of a person’s life and so many generations. Her speech stresses the need for special expertise in addressing the many mental health issues faced by children in their early years of education because of the long term effects they can have on individuals in adult life. She said:
”It’s really so exciting to hear everyone here speaking with your wealth of experience about the importance of mental health and particularly the emotional development of our children and teachers.
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What we have all been discussing here today really brings to light the vital role teachers are playing in supporting our youngest children’s mental health.
Thank you all for your dedication to this important cause, whether you work in schools, universities, charities or elsewhere. Over the last eight years working with charities I’ve met some of our leading experts in mental health, addiction, family breakdown, homelessness and education.
They have taught me over and over again that the root cause of so many of today’s social problems can be traced right back to the very earliest years of a person’s life and often over generations. The scientific and other evidence is clear the first few years of a child’s life are more pivotal for development and for future health and happiness than any other single moment in our life time.
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It is also clear that the positive development of our children is directly linked to those who care for them, teachers, carers and parents. And as we have heard today, it is therefore vital that we support teachers with their own well being so that they can find the best level of care for all children, in their schools and communities in which they work. No one of us however can make a difference alone.
”I feel so passionately about working together and being here today has affirmed to me just how much already is being done, so thank you to all of you who are prioritising the importance of mental health and the importance of childhood development as a whole. I look forward to hearing how your discussions will lead to proactive steps and to an ever more resounding commitment to mentally healthy schools, teachers and children”
IMPORTANCE
The Dutchess Of York stressed the importance of not neglecting the well being of teachers, if the goal of addressing the mental health of children is to be effectively addressed. She added: ”It is vital that we support teachers with their own well being so that they can find the best level of care for all children, in their schools and communities in which they work,” she told the Royal Foundation’s Mental Health in Education conference in central London.
Emphasising the importance of the early years for child development and long-term health and happiness, she said: “It is also clear that the positive development of our children is directly linked to those who care for them: teachers, carers and parents.”
The early years play an important role in determining the mental health of children, and can affect them for many years into the future. A mentally healthy child has a clear sense of identity and self-worth, with limited opposing forces affecting their mental well being. They can usually recognise and manage their emotions well, and effectively handle relationships that don’t work, whilst making the most of those that work well. Bullying in school, rejection from family members(especially a parent), a feeling that favouritism is being given to a sibling, sexual abuse, and low self esteem, are some of the many factors that can affect a child’s mental health, and follow them into adult hood.
A child’s well- being is often the product of healthy development within a nurturing environment. Children make emotional attachments from their early years and form relationships that often lays the foundation for their mental well being . Relationships are a very important aspect of mental health. Mental health has many levels, ranging from mild to severe. Health experts say 1 in every 4 people in the uk suffer from some degree of mental health. This is very worrying, but the good news is that mental health can be effectively addressed by individuals and health experts, once the symptoms are recognised.
The event, hosted by broadcaster and presenter Kate Silverton, saw a full day of speakers, panel discussions and breakout sessions.
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