National framework needed for child mental health development: experts

Experts are calling for a nationally coordinated program to promote children’s mental health.

They stressed that parents and caregivers can play an important role in identifying and addressing mental health issues in their children.

To achieve this, it is essential to increase awareness, motivation and literacy about mental health among children. With this knowledge, they will be able to identify disorders in their mental development, recognize mental health problems, respond appropriately and seek help from counselors or doctors if necessary.

These remarks were made by speakers at a national seminar held today.

SoMaSHTe organised the event at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy with the support of US-based charity Humanity Beyond Barriers.

Speaking as the chief guest, Emeritus Professor Dr ABM Abdullah emphasised on the importance of mental health for the holistic development of children.

He said mental health is often overlooked and policy initiatives and programs are needed, both for urban and rural children.

He also urged parents to adopt a more tolerant attitude towards their children.

Speaking as special guest, Chairman of Shishu Academy, Anjir Liton, stressed the need for a national framework for children’s mental health development.

He said Shishu Academy would take the lead in this regard.

The seminar was chaired by former senior secretary and media personality Abu Alam Mohammed Shahid Khan, who stressed the need for efforts from both families and institutions to monitor the mental health of students.

According to the 2018-19 National Mental Health Survey, conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health under the supervision of the World Health Organisation, 16.8 per cent of Bangladesh’s population – over 28 million people – suffer from mild to severe mental illness.

The study found that 14% of children between the ages of 7 and 17 suffer from a mental illness, and 95% are not receiving counselling or treatment.