EN
The House of Representatives recently filed a resolution calling for a nationwide study on the mental health of students. This comes as more and more reports are showing that mental health issues among students are on the rise, and that there is an urgent need to address this growing problem.
The resolution was filed by House Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Edgardo Tallado. It calls for the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to conduct a comprehensive study on the mental health of students in all levels of education. The study will include an assessment of the current mental health programs being implemented in educational institutions, as well as the availability of mental health services for students.
In their resolution, Rodriguez and Tallado noted that “mental health problems can be caused by many factors such as family problems, bullying, academic pressure, lack of sleep, substance abuse, and even social media use”. They added that “these factors can lead to depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and other serious mental health issues”.
A Call to Address the Growing Mental Health Issues of Students
The resolution also called for the DepEd, CHED and TESDA to come up with recommendations on how to better address the mental health needs of students. It also urged them to collaborate with relevant stakeholders such as local government units, non-government organizations and private institutions in order to ensure that mental health services are accessible and available to all students.
This resolution is a positive step towards addressing the growing mental health issues among students. With the help of relevant stakeholders, it is hoped that this resolution will be able to provide much needed support for students who may be struggling with their mental health.