Make it Count: policy briefing (Scotland)

Let's put mental health and wellbeing at the heart of children's school experience

Young people continue to be judged on academic performance with much less regard for their mental health and wellbeing and the nurturing and development of their emotional intelligence.

Literacy, numeracy and other academic achievements are still seen as the key markers of success, yet young people are facing unprecedented pressures in their lives, which are contributing to mental health problems including anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders.

More than one in 10 children (11%) responded to our YouGov survey saying that they have no one to talk to at school if they are feeling worried or sad. With more and more young people struggling to cope with their mental health, now is the time to put emotional wellbeing at the heart of children’s school experience.

Download the policy briefing

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