Actions taken by young individuals emanate from the way they see and understand things. You can see a young person going about his or her daily activities, looking good on the outside but lacking mental health education.
This topic is very important because having mental health education will help in defining an individual, give him or her purpose and direction towards positives and not just outward looks.
My position for this debate is: Yes, I propose that mental health education be part of the senior secondary school curriculum. Below are my solid points that I have compiled to defend my position on this topic.
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Should Mental Health Education Be Part Of The Senior Secondary School Curriculum? (10 Debate Points)
1. Mental Health Education Helps Students Understand Their Emotions
Many students in secondary school face stress from academics, family, and society. If mental health is taught, we will learn how to identify our feelings instead of keeping things bottled up inside. Understanding emotions will help us think clearly and behave better.
When students understand themselves, they can avoid depression and anxiety. This will create a healthier school environment and reduce cases of students breaking down emotionally or acting out in anger for no reason.
2. Mental Health Education Will Reduce Cases Of Suicide Among Students
Mental health education can help prevent student suicide by teaching us how to seek help and support each other. When we don’t know how to handle sadness or pressure, it can push some people to make harmful decisions.
If we know the signs of emotional distress, we can talk to teachers, parents, or counsellors early. Sometimes, just one supportive person can save a life.
3. Reduces Bullying In Schools
Many bullies behave badly because they don’t understand empathy or self-control. Mental health lessons will teach students respect, patience, and how to manage anger.
When everyone learns about the effect of words and actions, bullying and cyberbullying will be reduced. This means school will become a safer and more comfortable place for all students.
4. Helps Students Manage Exam Stress
In Nigeria, we face plenty of academic pressure from different exam bodies like WAEC, NECO, JAMB and even school tests. If we are taught coping skills like breathing exercises, time management, and positive thinking, exam stress will be reduced.
A calm mind performs better academically, so students can pass exams with confidence instead of fear or panic. This is yet another reason why mental health education should be part of the senior secondary school curriculum.
5. Prepares Younger Generation For Adulthood
Adulthood comes with work pressure, family responsibilities, and financial struggles. If we learn mental health skills now, we can handle life challenges better as we grow up.
Schools already prepare us academically, so it is only right that they prepare us emotionally too. Life is not only about certificates but also about strong mental stability.
6. Reduces Stigma Around Mental Illness
Some people in society believe that mental illness means someone is “mad”. This is not true, and it has caused many students to hide their struggles.
Teaching mental health will correct wrong beliefs and encourage people to speak up without shame. When there is understanding, there will be compassion.
7. Improves The Teacher To Student Relationships
Teachers sometimes punish students for behaviours they don’t understand. With mental health education, teachers will know when a student needs guidance instead of punishment.
A better understanding amongst school students and their tutors will create more supportive classrooms and reduce unnecessary conflict between teachers and students.
8. Encourages Early Detection And Support
Just like physical sickness, mental issues need early treatment. If we are educated, we can notice symptoms like excessive sadness, fear, or a sudden change in behaviour.
Early support means problems will not grow worse, and students can get help before situations become serious. Things like this can be prevented when mental health education is implemented in the senior secondary school curriculum.
9. Promotes Healthy Friendships And Communication
Teenagers sometimes lose friendships because of misunderstandings and poor communication. Mental health lessons will teach us how to express ourselves respectfully and listen to others.
When communication improves, friendships grow stronger, and school becomes a peaceful place for everybody to learn.
10. Mental Health Education Helps To Fight Drug Abuse
Many students turn to drugs because they are stressed, depressed, or feel alone. If schools teach emotional coping skills and confidence-building, fewer students will see drugs as the answer.
Another point is that, for every student who understands mental health, they will know that drugs destroy the brain, and it is not a solution to life problems. This is how beneficial mental health education could be to our school children.
Conclusion
Lastly, schools should be a place of learning, support, and growth, not pressure and fear. Mental health education encourages kindness, respect, and cooperation among students.
When students feel mentally safe, their confidence increases, and they can focus better, leading to academic success and a better future for our nation.
I believe with my detailed points and emphasis, you would agree with me that if mental health education is part of the senior secondary school’s curriculum, it will be of great benefit for every student. Thank you for reading!!!
