PERSPEKTIFNUSANTARA.COM– In today’s digital era, students face increasing pressures from academic demands, social media, online comparisons, and cyberbullying. While schools focus heavily on academic achievement, students’ emotional well-being is often overlooked. This is a serious concern because mental health plays an important role in students’ development and success. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in seven adolescents aged 10–19 experiences a mental health disorder. Therefore, mental health education should be a priority in every school.
Mental health education helps students understand and manage their emotions. During adolescence, young people experience many physical, emotional, and social changes. Through mental health education, students can learn healthy coping strategies, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills. These abilities help them face challenges more effectively and build self-confidence.
Another important benefit is reducing stigma. In many societies, including Indonesia, mental health issues are still often misunderstood. As a result, students may be afraid to seek help when they experience emotional difficulties. Mental health education encourages awareness, empathy, and open communication, making students more comfortable discussing their concerns and accessing support when needed.
Baca juga: Kampus Cetak Sarjana, Tetapi Kamu yang Bentuk Dirimu
The need for mental health education is even greater in the digital age. Social media can create unrealistic expectations, fear of missing out (FOMO), and exposure to harmful content. In addition, cyberbullying has become a growing problem among young people. By learning about mental health, students can develop digital resilience and maintain a healthier balance between their online and offline lives.
Mental health education also supports academic performance. Students who experience stress and anxiety often struggle to focus and participate in class. Learning stress-management techniques can improve concentration, motivation, and overall learning outcomes.
Baca juga: Generasi Muda dan Tantangan Demokrasi Masa Kini
Klik link ini untuk mendapatkan berita menarik hanya di PerspektifNusantara.com.
