Mental Health World Conference 2026

Abstract

Background:
Schools are uniquely positioned to influence the psychological well being, resilience, and life outcomes of children and adolescents. With nearly one in five children globally experiencing mental health concerns (WHO, 2016), there is an urgent need for proactive, inclusive, and compassionate school based mental health systems.When schools adopt structured, evidence based mental health frameworks, the resulting benefits extend beyond academics improving coping skills, emotional regulation, social competence, and long term societal well being. In today’s dynamic world, schools are evolving beyond academic spaces into powerful environments for nurturing emotional well being and psychological resilience.

Aim:
This talk aims to highlight how comprehensive, sustainable, and inclusive school-based mental health systems can serve as foundational structures for building resilient societies. It explores key components, implementation pathways, and policy practice linkages essential for systemic transformation.

Methods/Approach:
Drawing from global evidence, Multitiered Systems of Support (MTSS), WHO school mental health models, and national policy directions (including NEP 2020), the presentation integrates research findings with practical frameworks. Case examples from diverse educational contexts illustrate how universal, targeted, and intensive interventions can be embedded into daily school functioning. Emphasis is placed on teacher capacity-building, family engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and culturally responsive practices.

Results/Insights:
Strengthened school mental health systems are associated with enhanced emotional resilience, reduced behavioural and academic difficulties, and improved school climate. When implemented at scale, these systems contribute to community level mental health literacy, early identification, reduced long term burden of mental disorders, and a more resilient citizenry. Evidence demonstrates that early, school based interventions yield substantial lifetime benefits.

Conclusion:
Prioritizing mental health within school ecosystems is not only an educational necessity but a societal investment. By integrating structured, tiered mental health supports within schools and aligning policies with practice, nations can cultivate resilient generations capable of thriving amid adversity. Strengthened school mental health systems thus serve as a cornerstone for building resilient, equitable, and mentally healthy societies.