Manchester school leaders urge stronger mental health support for young children

Educators and health professionals in Manchester are urging greater attention to the mental health needs of very young children, with concerns raised during Child Month about pupils as young as three showing worrying behavioural and emotional signs.

Duvadine Francis, principal of Georges Valley Basic School, said some children between ages three and six are presenting challenges that teachers and other staff members find difficult to handle. She said the issues are affecting classroom learning, with some pupils struggling to concentrate, sleeping often, pulling away from others, or behaving in ways that are abusive, aggressive or rebellious.

The concerns were discussed at the Georges Valley Apostolic Church, where Dr. Ariel Watson, resident psychiatrist at Mandeville Regional Hospital, encouraged caregivers to respond to troubling behaviour with patience and compassion.

Dr. Watson also warned that suicidal thoughts can affect children more often than many adults realise. She advised caregivers not to agree to keep such disclosures secret, but to respond with reassurance, saying, “Thank you for trusting me. This is too important to keep between us. I care about you too much,” before seeking help from the appropriate professionals.

Corporal George Morgan of the Community Safety and Security Branch of the Manchester Police Division also appealed to parents and guardians to affirm and reassure their children. He said the care children receive at home can influence the adults they become, adding that home should be the first place where a child finds love and support.