In the child’s mind

Schools should act now and develop policies to address mental health issues and promote well-being.

Children constitute around 45 percent of the Pakistani population, with 22.7 percent adolescents from 10 to 19 years. Along with their educational, safety and physical health needs, there is also an urgent need to prevent and respond to their mental health challenges. The WHO estimates that 15 percent of the global burden of disease among 10-to19-year-olds is due to mental disorders. Globally, one out of seven children in this age group experiences some form of mental illness, the common ones being depression, anxiety and/or a behavioural disorder.