What is SEMH?
SEMH stands for social, emotional, and mental health.
It’s all about how kids and teens think, feel, and get along with others. SEMH
covers things like anxiety, depression, or behaviour problems. When kids
struggle with their mental health, it can affect how they do in school and how
they relate to others. For example, if a student is anxious, it might be hard
for them to concentrate in class or talk to friends.
How Common is SEMH?
SEMH problems are more common than many people think. In
2021, about 1 in 6 children between 5 and 16 years old had a mental health
issue. These problems can affect:
- Schoolwork:
Trouble focusing, leading to lower grades.
- Friendships:
Kids might feel left out or get bullied.
- The
Future: If not treated, these problems can follow them into adulthood and
affect jobs and relationships.
Spotting these problems early helps kids get the support
they need.
What Causes SEMH Problems?
1. Biological Reasons
Some kids may be more likely to have mental health
challenges because of their genes (like if their parents have anxiety or
depression). Brain chemistry can also play a part.
2. Environmental Reasons
Where a child grows up matters, too. If there's family
stress, poverty, or violence around them, it can make things worse. On the flip
side, a loving home and supportive community can help a lot.
3. Psychological Reasons
Things like low self-esteem, not knowing how to handle
stress, or trauma from the past can also lead to SEMH problems.
How Can You Spot SEMH Problems?
1. Behaviour Changes
Watch out for signs like:
- Mood
swings or being easily upset
- Avoiding
social events or acting out in class
- Becoming
very quiet or distant
2. Struggles in School
Kids with SEMH issues might:
- Stop
participating in class
- Miss
school a lot
- Fall
behind on homework
3. Social and Emotional Struggles
They might:
- Have
trouble making or keeping friends
- Feel
anxious or alone
- Find
it hard to talk about their feelings
Recognising these signs is the first step to helping them.
How Are SEMH Problems Found?
1. Screening Tools
These are like quizzes or checklists that help spot mental
health concerns. Some examples are:
- SDQ:
A quick test about feelings and behaviour
- CBCL:
A longer checklist used by parents or teachers
- Beck
Anxiety Inventory: A tool that measures anxiety levels
2. Full Evaluation
If a screening shows a problem, more steps are taken, like:
- Talking
with parents, teachers, and the child
- Using
more tests
- Watching
the child at school or at home
This helps adults understand what’s going on and how to
help.
How Can SEMH Be Treated?
1. Therapy
- CBT
(Cognitive Behavioural Therapy): Helps kids change negative thoughts.
- Play
Therapy: Let's younger kids express feelings through play.
- Mindfulness:
Breathing exercises or calming activities to handle stress.
2. School Support
- School
Counsellors: Someone to talk to at school.
- SEL
Programs: Teach skills like empathy and managing emotions.
- Peer
Groups: Support from other students going through similar things.
3. Parent Involvement
Parents can:
- Stay
in touch with teachers or therapists
- Learn
how to help their child at home
- Join
in on some sessions to better support their child
The Role of Teachers and Mental Health Professionals
Working Together
Teachers and counsellors should:
- Meet
often to talk about how a child is doing
- Share
goals and progress
- Keep
communication open and honest
Helping Kids Build Strength
They also help kids:
- Learn
to solve problems and bounce back from stress
- Build
strong friendships and connections
- Believe
in their ability to grow and improve
Breaking the Stigma
Many kids don’t ask for help because they’re worried about
being judged. We need to change that.
How to Help:
- Talk
about mental health openly
- Teach
empathy in schools
- Share
stories of people who got help and are doing better
Education and Awareness
- Run
workshops for parents and teachers
- Celebrate
Mental Health Awareness Month
- Train
teachers to better understand SEMH
What Needs to Happen Next?
More Research
We need to keep learning about:
- How
mental health changes over time
- How
it’s different in different cultures
- How
technology helps or hurts mental health
Better Policies
Governments and schools should:
- Pay
for more mental health services in schools
- Teach
mental health in class like any other subject
- Support
families who need help
In Conclusion
To support kids with SEMH challenges:
- Look
for changes in behaviour, schoolwork, and friendships
- Use
tools to understand what’s going on
- Work
together—teachers, parents, and counsellors
- Build
awareness and kindness around mental health
With the right help, every child can grow, learn, and live a
healthy, happy life.
