We don’t teach young children about mental health largely because of societal stigma and misconceptions that they are too young to understand. In reality, introducing mental health education at an early age can foster emotional resilience and help children develop crucial coping mechanisms.
Avoiding this important topic deprives children of the opportunity to learn how to manage stress, recognize emotions, and build stronger interpersonal relationships. Schools and parents often prioritize academic skills over emotional learning, despite research showing that early emotional education significantly reduces the risk of mental health issues later in life.
Children who learn to express their emotions from a young age often have healthier relationships and better coping skills as adults.
Why Is Mental Health Seldom Taught in Schools?
Mental health education is often excluded due to fears about age-appropriateness and stigma. Many educators and parents are concerned that children might not understand complex emotions, leading to confusion or distress. This concern is misplaced. Children as young as 3 can learn basic emotional concepts, such as identifying feelings like happiness or sadness, which improves their emotional regulation skills as they grow. Additionally, societal stigma around mental health prevents schools from prioritizing this essential aspect of learning.
Are Teachers Trained to Discuss Mental Health?
Most teachers are not trained to teach mental health. Although educators are experts in subjects like reading and math, few receive training on addressing emotional well-being. In fact, a 2024 survey revealed that less than 22% of teachers in the U.S. feel equipped to support their students’ mental health needs. Without the right tools or resources, teachers struggle to integrate mental health education into an already packed curriculum.
What Is the Role of Stigma in Avoiding Mental Health Education?
Stigma plays a significant role in avoiding mental health discussions. Many parents believe that children don’t experience mental health issues, or they think that addressing mental health too early could encourage unwanted behaviors. However, research shows that early mental health interventions reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in children. Teaching kids about emotions and self-care normalizes mental health discussions, reducing stigma in the long term.
Does Academic Pressure Affect Mental Health Education?
Yes, academic pressure often overshadows mental health education. In many educational systems, the focus is on academic performance rather than holistic development. The U.S. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that more than 80% of schools prioritize test results over students’ emotional well-being. However, research consistently shows that children who receive mental health support are more likely to succeed academically because they feel safe, supported, and capable of managing their emotions.
What Are the Benefits of Teaching Mental Health Early?
Teaching mental health early has several long-term benefits, including improved emotional intelligence, better social relationships, and enhanced coping mechanisms. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children who learn to manage their emotions early on are less likely to develop mental health disorders as adults. In fact, they are 50% less likely to experience anxiety and depression compared to those who receive no mental health education.
3 Perfect Ways to Teach Mental Health in Lahore
1. Integrate Mental Health into Urdu Storytelling Sessions
One innovative way to introduce mental health concepts to children in Lahore is through Urdu storytelling sessions focused on emotions and well-being. Traditional storytelling in Pakistan is a powerful educational tool that resonates with children across different backgrounds. By creating engaging stories where characters face emotional challenges—like fear, sadness, or confusion—and find healthy ways to cope, educators can make mental health relatable. Characters could show resilience by talking about their feelings, seeking help from trusted adults, or practicing mindfulness, connecting mental health concepts with cultural values.

2. Establish “Feelings Corners” in Schools for Emotional Expression
Lahore’s schools could introduce “Feelings Corners” where children are encouraged to visually express their emotions using art, colors, or symbols. These safe spaces can allow kids to represent their feelings in a non-verbal manner, especially when they struggle to articulate them. Teachers could guide children in labeling emotions, discussing them, and brainstorming healthy ways to manage feelings. By integrating this into the daily routine, educators can normalise discussions around emotions and help children practice emotional regulation early on.

3. Leverage Play-Based Learning with Puppet Shows on Mental Health
Using culturally relevant puppet shows centred on emotional intelligence can be a fun and impactful way to teach young children about mental health. Puppetry has long been a form of entertainment in Pakistan, and through simple, relatable stories, puppets can demonstrate mental health concepts such as managing anxiety, sharing feelings, and helping friends. Children could be encouraged to interact with the puppets, role-playing their own emotional scenarios. This approach is interactive, engaging, and adaptable to different age groups and educational settings in Lahore.
