Lack of mental health training for Scottish teachers

Around two-thirds of teachers have not had adequate training in pupil mental health and support, a survey has found.

According to Tes, research from the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) shows that only on in 100 recall doing detailed work on mental health when they were student teachers.

In addition, the survey of 3,336 school staff found that 66 per cent of teachers felt they lacked training in mental health to carry out their job properly.

Twelve per cent said they had received enough training in issues such as self-harming and eating disorders.

One per cent of teachers said mental health was covered in detail in teacher education; 63 per cent said it was not covered at all. Thirty-four per cent said their school had an effective way of responding to pupils experiencing mental health problems.

The survey has since urged for a national training programme for schools and specialist counselling services in every secondary school.