Beyond Academics: Mental Health and Well-being in CBSE Day Boarding Schools
Posted by Strategic Communications, JGI Group on on 8 Jan 2024

While we often give priority to physical health, it is equally important to understand the significance of mental well-being among students. The well-being of the mind plays a central role in a student's capacity to actively participate in school activities, promote learning, and encourage positive social interactions. In the end, a student's mental health can significantly influence both their physical well-being and academic pursuits.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the significance of mental health and its profound impact on overall well-being. Consequently, the issue of mental health in day-boarding schools has gained increased attention. Day-boarding schools with a Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum are now recognising the importance of addressing mental health needs and are implementing various strategies to support their students. The global COVID-19 pandemic and the associated challenges, including the shift between onsite and virtual learning, have further accentuated the acute and long-term concerns for students' emotional well-being. Today, we shall explore how CBSE day-boarding schools are addressing the mental health and well-being of their students:

Professional Counselling Services

In the crucial phase of school life, children require psychological and emotional support to navigate various challenges. Recognising this need, many top CBSE day-boarding schools employ professional and experienced child counsellors. These counsellors not only assist students with academic difficulties but also address emotional conflicts and personal problems. Scheduled counselling classes allow students to introspect, express their feelings, and acquire important life skills. Counselling in schools is vital to address personal problems that may hinder academic performance and maintain a balanced approach to studies.

Life Skills

CBSE day-boarding schools prioritise the development of life skills essential for students' overall well-being. Students learn valuable skills such as time management, setting and achieving goals, and the importance of strong values. The structured daily routine encourages a balanced life, emphasising the significance of healthy living and responsible decision-making. Practical assignments and case studies are also incorporated into the curriculum, preparing students for future challenges and fostering a sense of purpose.

Peer Support Programmes

CBSE day-boarding schools implement peer support programmes to assist students in navigating academic, social, and emotional challenges with their peers. These programmes encompass various forms of support, including mentoring, tutoring, counselling, and advocacy. Acknowledging that individuals encounter periods of stress, peer support programmes offer an early intervention strategy by normalising the act of seeking help during distress. Peer support, whether provided by trained peers or spontaneously among non-trained peers, aims to bolster self-esteem, self-efficacy, and effective coping strategies.

Social Skills

In a day-boarding school environment, students live and work closely together, beyond conventional schooling hours. This learning approach helps facilitate the development of strong social skills. The close-knit community promotes genuine friendships and allows students to explore networking opportunities. Positive role models and mentorship contribute to students' performance, both academically and in other aspects of campus life. CBSE day-boarding schools also guide conflict resolution and relationship management, encouraging students to build lasting friendships and become effective communicators and leaders.

Conducive Learning Atmosphere

Leading day-boarding schools prioritise providing a nurturing environment with modern amenities, pastoral care, and stringent safety measures. The goal is to offer students a holistic education, shape their personalities, and support their mental well-being. CBSE-based day-boarding schools focus on creating outstanding individuals through a broad and balanced curriculum, arts programmes, and a supportive atmosphere, encouraging students to learn and grow both locally and globally.

Resilience

Staying at day-boarding school for extended hours helps students develop resilience in facing challenges. CBSE day-boarding schools expose students to a variety of opportunities and difficulties, teaching them to raise their academic performance, handle assignments, and navigate social situations. Through shared living, teamwork, conflict resolution, and making new friends, students build perseverance and boost their self-esteem, preparing them for future academic and life challenges.

Limiting Academic Burden

CBSE day-boarding schools foster a supportive learning environment by establishing clear and well-defined daily schedules for the students. A structured schedule helps students allocate time for academic classes, study sessions, and extracurricular activities without any overlapping. These schools also employ effective time management workshops that equip students with the skills to prioritise tasks and manage their time efficiently. Individualised support mechanisms, including tutoring, counselling, and specialised assistance, also enable the day-boarders to face academic challenges.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while day-boarding schools excel at providing students with exceptional academic resources, the persistent challenge lies in achieving a balance that ensures both academic success and mental well-being. Recognising the growing awareness of the importance of mental health, CBSE day-boarding schools are taking proactive steps to address the multifaceted needs of their students. The commitment to providing a conducive learning atmosphere further underscores the comprehensive approach of CBSE day-boarding schools. By recognising and addressing the mental health paradox, these institutions aim to create well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also equipped to navigate the challenges of their academic and personal journeys.