(UK) Student teachers unable to recognize signs of mental illnesses in students

Feb 13, 2018, (UK) Tes: Trainee teachers unable to spot signs of mental ill-health in pupils https://www.tes.com/news/school-news/breaking-news/trainee-teachers-unable-spot-signs-mental-ill-health-pupils Trainee teachers would struggle to spot signs of mental illness in pupils, new research has found. And, even if they were able to identify mental ill-health, the trainees would be unsure how to address it. Jonathan Glazzard, professor of education and mental health specialist at Leeds Beckett University, surveyed 300 British teachers about the mental health problems faced by their pupils. He found that almost 60 per cent of trainee teachers did not feel confident about identifying mental health needs in pupils. And 70 per cent did not feel equipped to support pupils with such needs. Nearly three quarters – 73 per cent – did not believe that mental health was given sufficient priority during initial teacher training courses. … Another said: “Mental health is a big issue across all aspects of our society. To have a better system in place for our youngest members of society will benefit society in the long run.” It has been estimated that 10 per cent of school pupils have a diagnosable mental illness. According to NHS figures, around one in 10 girls aged 16 or 17 was referred to specialist mental health services in England last year.