Can PTMs Alone Address Mental Health Concerns?
Today, I had a deep conversation with a concerned teacher about the mental health of her students. She shared her worry about their secretive behavior, saying, "We need PTMs to monitor mental health."
Her concern is valid, but it led me to ask a critical question: "Parent-teacher meetings might help in discussing the behavioral traits of the student with the parent, but is that going to help improve the mental health of the child?"
The reality is that students spend a significant portion of their day at school. Rather than just discussing concerns with parents, wouldn’t it be more effective to provide direct support to the students during this time? Children need privacy, trust, and comfort from their elders to open up about their problems. If we can create that safe space, the gap between students and teachers can be bridged.
STMs can play a vital role in addressing mental health issues by providing that space for students to express themselves without fear of judgment. It’s about creating a supportive environment where they feel heard and understood.
For those interested in learning more about how STMs can positively impact mental health, I invite you to read my book. Let’s work together to create a healthier school environment.