Surveying Principals about School Mental Health Challenges

The most pressing emotional issues for students and staff, and the resources needed to address these issues, are the focus of an online survey to school principals worldwide that HHD administered in 2008. This research evolved from a new partnership between the International Alliance for Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Schools (for which HHD serves as the Secretariat) and the International Confederation of Principals in an effort to promote the mental health and well-being of youth.

Principals from over 30 countries participated in the survey; European responses included more than 300 from Ireland and 200 from the UK; and another wave of the survey has recently been initiated in Germany. These data and reports will be used to inform the development of professional education materials and training for principals in Germany and to establish forums for shared learning to help principals address the mental health challenges at their schools.