Schools today are realising the importance of mental health and are actively making social emotional learning a part of their curriculum. This is an important part of schools supporting the students. In this high pressure and competitive world fueled by social media, students are more prone to issues related to mental health. They need to learn to cope with stress and also to share their feelings in case they feel overwhelmed. For this to happen, thy need a safe space and supportive environment.
Recognising this need, the Central Board of Secondary Education has released a circular focusing on Mental Health and Wellness and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in schools. The circular asks schools to take clear steps to support students’ psychological well-being and build stronger systems for early support and guidance. This comes following the judgement given by the Supreme Court of India on July 25, 2025. It specified the guidelines pertaining to student mental health and safety. CBSE has requested all affiliate schools to follow the directions.
Why Mental Health and Social Emotional Learning Are Important in Schools
Effects of a students’ mental health are many. It affects the way students learn, interact and respond to challenges. On the other hand, when they feel emotionally safe, they engage in activities more, build a healthy relationships and deal with study stress in a better way.
Social emotional Learning (SEL) help them develop critical life skills and schools play an important role in helping students develop a positive sense of self and managing their emotions. Some of them are:
- Understanding emotions and managing them
- Creating positive, healthy relationships with those around them
- Taking safe and responsible decisions in every aspect of their life
- Coping strategies in times of stress and failure
Mandatory Mental Health Training for School Staff
Circular released by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) clearly mandates regular training for all teaching, non-teaching and administrative staff. They are required to undergo mandatory training twice a year conducted by a certified mental health professional. The aim of this training would be to teach the teachers to understand how to identify and respond to students in times of emotional or psychological issues. Areas would include:
- Psychological first aid
- Identification of warning signs of distress
- Responding to situations related to self-harm
- Referral mechanisms for professional support
Teachers would be trained to interact with students in a sensitive, inclusive and non-discriminatory manner. This will enable the adults of the school to be prepared to notice early signs of distress and then respond in an appropriate way.
Schools Must Organise Mental Health Awareness Programmes for Parents
The circular highlights that parents and guardians must also be involved in supporting student mental health.
Schools are required to organise regular sensitisation programmes for parents and guardians. These programmes should help families understand the challenges students face and how they can offer better support at home. These sessions will guide parents to:
- Avoid placing unnecessary academic pressure on children
- Recognise signs of psychological distress
- Respond to children with empathy and support
By involving parents, schools can ensure that students receive consistent emotional support both at school and at home.
Mental Health and Life Skills to Be Integrated into Student Programmes
The schools are also encouraged to include mental health awareness into everyday learning and school activities. Some the modules that they can introduce via student orientation programmes and curricular activities as they will help them understand their feelings, build resilience and know where to look for help when things get difficult:
- Mental health literacy
- Emotional regulation skills
- Life skills education
- Awareness of institutional support systems available to students
Schools Must Maintain Records of Wellness Initiatives
- For monitoring and accountability, CBSE has asked schools to maintain anonymous records of all the student welfare activities, initiatives related to their social emotional wellbeing. Annual report will need to be submitted mentioning:
The number of wellness interventions conducted - Student referrals for counselling or support
- Training sessions organised for staff
- Mental health related programmes and activities held during the year
These records will help schools track the effectiveness of their efforts and strengthen support systems over time.
The Role of School Leaders and Teachers
The circular concludes by urging principals and school heads to actively support these initiatives. Schools must ensure that teachers and staff participate in the recommended training programmes.
The larger goal is to build a school ecosystem that prioritises mental health and enables every student to grow with confidence and resilience.
For teachers, this circular highlights an important shift in education. Supporting students today means paying attention not only to what they learn but also to how they feel, cope with challenges, and build their sense of self.
When schools give equal importance to academic learning and emotional well-being, students are better prepared to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.