Abstract

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) teaching provides a vital opportunity to educate young people about their mental health. Whilst OFSTED encourages a broad and balanced curriculum, there is little standardisation of Personal, Social and Health education (PSHE) across schools. The mental health of young people is a growing challenge for doctors. Many of the root causes of mental health problems are societal and can only be addressed with a truly multi-disciplinary approach. Doctors should take the lead in communities, whether volunteering as school governors or in lobbying for a standardised PSHE curriculum.PSHE can empower young people to seek help with their mental health. Teachers are often the first to notice a decline in a student’s mental health. Consequently, channels of communication between teachers and doctors should be strengthened, with healthcare expertise and educational excellence combining to improve early intervention for mental health problems.