Parents and school must work together on good mental health at school.

Parents and school must work together on good mental health at school.

On Wednesday, June 24, the House of Representatives will debate the mental health of pupils and students. Together with other parent organizations, we have provided input and shared our concerns and recommendations in a letter to the House.

Mental complaints 

In our recent research, we asked 592 parents about the mental health of their children aged 7 to 18. Almost half of these parents indicate that their child regularly experiences complaints, and a quarter see that their child even very often suffers from them. 

Examples include stress, performance pressure, fear of failure, and being easily irritated. These complaints increase especially in secondary education.

School plays a large role, parents too often on the sidelines

Many causes of mental pressure lie in and around school. Think of tests, homework, and the pressure to get good grades.

But the cooperation between school and parents can also improve. For example, 30% of parents say they cannot approach the school when they are worried about the mental health of their child.

This is worrying. Because if school and parents work together, mental health problems can be noticed and addressed earlier.

Call to politics: involve parents structurally

In our letter, together with Oudervereniging Balans, Reformatorische Oudervereniging, OCO Amsterdam, and Stichting Voor Werkende Ouders, we call on the House of Representatives to see parents not only as educators at home but as full partners of the school.

Our main points:

Recognize parents as partners, not just as educators at home. Encourage and facilitate schools to actively involve parents in mental health.

Provide a fixed moment for parents to discuss concerns about mental health. Almost a third of parents do not know where or when at school they can do this.

Give parents a role in the school’s welfare policy. Let parents structurally participate in the development of their approach, also via the school participation council.