Table 3 Perceived benefits of MHD screening
From: Acceptability of screening for mental health difficulties in primary schools: a survey of UK parents
Theme | Number of comments |
|---|---|
Theme 1. Benefits of screening for mental health difficulties for the child | |
Sub-theme 1. Screening can lead to early identification of MHD/(early) identification is important Ex. “[E]arly detection helps in [getting] more help for the child” | 65 |
Sub-theme 2. Early identification of MHD can lead to early support Ex. “I think they’d be a good idea, as some children will benefit from early intervention.” | 79 |
Sub-theme 3. Early identification of MHD can prevent future problems Ex. “To spot the signs of any child that may be struggling. They would hopefully be offered guidance to avoid things like self-harming and suicide.” | 27 |
Sub-theme 4. Personal stories of experiences with MHD Ex. “We have benefited already from our child receiving emotional support in school so think screening is a good idea.” | 18 |
Sub-theme 5. Screening is systematic/ involves all children Ex. “Regular checks would make sure children do not ‘slip through the net’” | 9 |
Theme 2. Benefits of the school setting | |
Sub-theme 6. School staff can provide valuable insight on mental health due to relationship to pupils Ex. “The children spend a majority of their day at school, therefore you would assume the staff there know them quite well and could notice changes.” | 14 |
Sub-theme 7. School is a safe place for children and children trust their teachers Ex. “The children often have a trusted relationship with their teachers and TAs and are in a safe space to explore their emotional wellbeing.” | 23 |
Sub-theme 8. Screening promotes an ‘all adult’ approach that involves parents, teachers, and staff in identification Ex. “Every adult should be involved in ensuring kids are thriving” | 16 |
Sub-theme 9. School screening could benefit children who cannot get support at home/ who have problems at home Ex. “May not have emotional support at home and best to talk to someone sooner rather than later, so that things don’t bottle up.” | 18 |
Sub-theme 10. Early identification could lead to improved academic performance/improved school life Ex. “Early detection of emotional health problems. These problems can then be dealt with early so not to cause problems in their learning and overall wellbeing.” | 10 |
Sub-theme 11. Screening is also beneficial to schools themselves Ex. “Surely it would benefit schools and there ciricculam [sic] if they knew the children who where struggling.” | 3 |
Sub-theme 12. Schools can support parents and families Ex. “Could help parents of children with emotional health difficulties - offer support/advice” | 15 |