Childhood Mental Health Matters: creating safe schools where our children can thrive

In a statement published by South Africa’s Children’s Institute (CI), they state: “Our failure to support childhood mental health can ripple out across their lives and across generations.”

The strength, vitality, and compassion of any society rests on the mental health of its children and youth.

The numbers are sobering. According to the South African Child Gauge 2023, nearly 22% of children between the ages of 13 and 18 experience symptoms of anxiety or depression. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 15–29. Yet only a fraction of these young people have access to professional mental health support.

So, it’s not surprising that more than one in ten children in South Africa have a diagnosable and treatable mental health disorder. This includes depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, conduct, learning and substance-use disorders, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and autism. Roughly 90% of children in South Africa who have diagnosable childhood mental health conditions do not receive any treatment or support. 

The scope of the challenge

Mental health struggles directly affect a child’s ability to learn. A child battling anxiety or trauma is far more likely to miss school, struggle to concentrate, or disengage in the classroom. Teachers themselves, particularly in under-resourced schools, often carry heavy emotional burdens that limit their ability to support children’s well-being.

Systemic barriers compound the challenge:

• Stigma around mental health prevents children and parents from seeking help.

• Underfunded schools often lack trained counsellors or programmes.

• Limited awareness means issues go undetected until they become crises.

The result? Far too many children fall through the cracks.

Schools as safe spaces

Schools, once seen purely as spaces for academics, are now increasingly the frontline for mental health support. For a child to thrive—not only academically, but socially and emotionally—mental health must be prioritised alongside literacy and numeracy.

To provide children and adolescents with the necessary support, researchers believe that adopting early interventions is crucial. Schools often have the potential to become the safest place in a child’s world. With the right interventions, they can provide consistent, daily access to care and support.

Globally and here in South Africa, there’s a growing recognition—especially in the wake of COVID—that education without mental health support leaves children behind.

Here are some simple, low-cost interventions that make a difference:

• Mindfulness exercises at the start of the school day.

• Safe spaces where children can share their feelings.

• Teachers trained in trauma-informed approaches.

• Peer-support programmes where children help one another.

KILT’s response: Turning potential into action

KILT’s work reaches nearly 13,500 children every year across Knysna, and we believe every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential. That’s why our Psycho-Social Programme is one of our most critical areas of work and the foundation of all our other programmes and support.

Our programme includes:

• Counselling – Delivered by qualified counsellors trained in trauma counselling and play therapy, offering one-on-one and group sessions.

• Life Skills – Helping children build self-regulation, resilience, and positive coping strategies.

• Eco Clubs – Harnessing the healing power of nature to teach environmental awareness and emotional restoration.

• Eco Camps – Support children to develop positive behaviour by promoting respect, responsibility, and teamwork through nature-based activities.

• Satellite Kids Hubs – Created to reach especially marginalised families who may not otherwise have access to our services during or beyond school hours.

• Parenting Support – Engaging caregivers through workshops that promote parenting skills, parental involvement in education, and peer-based support networks.

The results are already visible. Teachers tell us they see children engaging more positively in the classroom. Parents report stronger communication at home. And children themselves often express newfound confidence and hope.

“Safe-hub would like to extend its gratitude to KILT for their collaboration. The team greatly appreciates the life skills sessions delivered through drumming, safe zones, engaging activities, and sports. These initiatives have had a positive impact on the participants by fostering personal development, building confidence, encouraging teamwork, and creating a safe and supportive environment for learning.”- Safe-hub.

That’s the power of sustained, community-rooted support.

Why parent and community involvement matters

Children don’t live in isolation—neither should the solutions. Our Parenting Programme ensures that what children learn in counselling or life skills classes is reinforced at home. Stronger families lead to stronger communities, and resilient children become resilient adults.

But collaboration is key. Schools, parents, NGOs, and communities all have a role to play:

• Early identification of emotional struggles.

• Open conversations to break the stigma around mental health.

• Investment in school-based counselling and mentoring programmes.

South Africa cannot afford to treat children’s mental health as a “nice-to-have.” It is a necessity for building a thriving, equitable future.

Investing in resilience

Every day, children walk through their schools carrying unseen burdens. With support, those burdens become lighter. With guidance, those struggles can turn into resilience. With care, those children can grow into the adults who will one day lead South Africa.

At KILT, we are committed to ensuring they don’t walk alone.

Because when we invest in childhood mental health today, we build stronger, more compassionate communities tomorrow.

A call to action: Support childhood mental health and our Psycho-Social Programme by making a donation here.

Learn more about child and adolescent mental health in South Africa from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).