Report says school behaviour policies are ineffective in creating change
A survey by the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition has found that both children and parents are unhappy with how behaviour is being managed in schools in England. The survey asked young people, parents and professionals their views on current approaches to behaviour management and mental health, and how they can be improved.
- 79% of young people who responded to the call for evidence and 87% of parents and carers agreed that a young person’s behaviour is linked to their mental health
- Only 21% of young people and 7% of parents felt that schools are responsive to young people’s mental health needs when dealing with behavioural issues
- 32% of professionals responding said that schools are responsive to young people’s mental health needs when dealing with behavioural issues, 46% disagreed
- Over half of young people (59%) who responded said behaviour management techniques were not effective in improving behaviour
- 80% of parents and carers and 56% of professionals also stated that behaviour management techniques used by schools are not effective
The inquiry set out to explore the links between mental health and behaviour and how school policies affect young people and their families. This followed widespread concern around the rise in the use of punitive approaches such as exclusion or removal rooms. With one in six young people experiencing mental health problems, this approach may not be fully taking into account their needs.
Sir Norman Lamb, Chair of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition, said: “We must not forget that children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing is more important than ever. Our preliminary findings suggest that whilst young people are aware that behaviour is often linked to their mental health, they do not believe that current behaviour policies are effective.
“We share the ambition of government to create supportive, safe and inclusive school environments that enable and facilitate learning. The call for evidence has captured wide-ranging views on the topic of behaviour and mental health in schools, and we are keen to understand all viewpoints throughout the inquiry. We want to inform government policies and school practices that boost children’s mental health and behaviour for everyone’s benefit.”
