The new essential subject: Mental wellness

Adolescence has always been a time of change, but today’s teenagers are living in a world that moves much faster than the one we grew up in. Their days are filled with academic pressure, shifting friendships, constant notifications and the invisible weight of comparison. Beneath the routine of school uniforms and homework, many of our young people are struggling quietly. As an educational psychologist who works closely with students, families and teachers across the region, I see every day how deeply our adolescents need support and why mental wellness education can no longer be treated as optional.
Mental wellness is not a nice idea or a buzzword. It is the set of skills that helps a young person understand their feelings, manage stress, make thoughtful decisions, maintain healthy habits and build meaningful relationships. These skills shape how students behave, how they communicate and how they cope with the realities of growing up. But young people do not simply “learn” these skills on their own. Just as we teach them to read or solve equations, we must also teach them how to handle anxiety, regulate emotions and set healthy boundaries in a digital world.
Right now, there is a clear gap between what students actually need and what most curriculums provide. So much of school life still revolves around memorisation and exams, while essential life skills remain in the background. It is no surprise that we see rising levels of anxiety, peer conflict, digital dependency and emotional overwhelm. Students are trying to navigate a world full of pressures without the tools to protect themselves.
One of the most urgent areas is emotional regulation. Many adolescents come to school carrying worries they cannot name and feelings they cannot manage. Without the skills to pause, reflect or communicate clearly, they become frustrated or withdrawn. A small misunderstanding becomes a major outburst. A stressful exam leads to panic. Teaching students how to recognise their emotions early and use simple strategies to calm themselves can change not only their behaviour but their entire school experience.
Healthy habits are equally important. Sleep, nutrition, physical activity and time management may seem like everyday topics, but they influence mental health more than we realise. When students learn how their lifestyle affects their focus, mood and resilience, they begin to take small steps towards healthier routines. These changes add up to calmer mornings, more energy in class and a stronger sense of wellbeing.
Digital wellness is now a critical part of adolescent life. Many students spend hours online, often without guidance or boundaries. They deal with comparison culture, cyberbullying, unrealistic standards and the pressure to stay connected constantly. Without support, these influences can deeply affect self-esteem and emotional stability. Schools must teach young people how to protect themselves online, set limits and navigate digital spaces with awareness and responsibility.
Substance awareness and peer pressure also play a major role in adolescent decision-making. Young people often follow the crowd, not because they lack knowledge, but because they lack confidence or strategies to stand their ground. Teaching them how to evaluate risks, understand consequences and make choices aligned with their values empowers them to walk away from unsafe situations.
When schools shift towards mental wellness education, the change is noticeable. Classrooms feel calmer. Students communicate better. Teachers spend less time addressing emotional crises and more time teaching. Parents begin to see more balance and maturity at home. Most importantly, students feel understood and supported.
Education is not only about preparing children for exams. It is about preparing them for life emotionally, socially and mentally. Today’s world demands resilience, self-awareness and responsible digital citizenship. Mental wellness education is no longer something we can add later. It is something our adolescents need right now.