Nicosia, Cyprus. Building children’s mental resilience from early-years education has become a priority as schools expand support services addressing mental health, bullying and violence, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou said.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency on Thursday, Michaelidou said schools are focusing on giving pupils the skills to recognise risks, seek help and protect their mental wellbeing from preschool rather than waiting until adolescence.
Early support and resilience
Michaelidou said mental resilience is important for pupils and extends beyond protection from visible risks such as substance abuse and online dangers.
She said it involves developing the mental strength to speak with experts, ask for help and remain mentally healthy.
School violence framework
The ministry has strengthened the legal and educational framework for addressing school violence, introducing protocols intended to support pupils.
Michaelidou said police data on complaints show that children are speaking out, primarily at school. She added that pupils are increasingly confiding in teachers about violence at home and other personal difficulties.
Role of schools and specialist services
Michaelidou said schools and teachers have an important role in supporting children but cannot replace specialist services such as police or mental health centres.
The ministry has also expanded pastoral support by strengthening the role of form tutors, giving them dedicated time to discuss issues affecting pupils outside regular classroom teaching.
