Recently, I had a session with a 14-year-old student to reflect on her year. We discussed her successes and challenges and how she overcame them, which naturally led to the topic of resilience.
When I asked her to define resilience, she said:
"It’s keeping a smile, even when things aren’t going well."
Her answer was striking. While it showed emotional maturity, it also revealed a common misunderstanding: the belief that resilience means hiding struggles instead of embracing them.
This highlights the importance of teaching children—and ourselves—that mental health is not about masking emotions but navigating them with curiosity, compassion, and courage.
🔺 The growing mental health challenges among young people underscore the urgency for proactive approaches.
▶️ It’s not just about maintaining the status quo—we need to question, innovate, and expand our strategies continuously.
▶️ With new research and cross-sector collaboration, we can create environments where mental well-being is prioritised—not as an afterthought, but as a core part of education.
💡 This is our opportunity to redefine how we support children, educators, and families. Every step we take now will build a more resilient tomorrow.
Let’s not stop at talking. Let’s act.
Check in with the people around you.
Prioritise mental health at home, in schools, and in workplaces.
Remember: small gestures—a word, a smile, a little extra time—can create ripples of change.
Together, as educators, parents, mental health professionals, and community members, we can make a difference. Let’s shape a future where well-being is at the heart of everything we do.
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