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Schools as Safe Spaces for Adolescents: A Mental Health Perspective
  • Ashwathi Muraleedharan,
  • Dr. Lizy P.J.,
  • Dr. Rajeev S.P.
Ashwathi Muraleedharan

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Dr. Lizy P.J.
Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Kochi

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Dr. Rajeev S.P.
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Abstract

Creating safe spaces in schools means building affectual boundaries where our adolescents feel secure to explore; deal with conflicts, stress, and injustice; and transform the classroom into an emotionally restorative space. A sound socio-emotional support structure makes them feel safe enough to learn. Although the Kerala government has curated innovative programs for the psychosocial well-being of adolescents in schools, there is immense work left to be done when it comes to empowering teachers to support students with their problems. A series of in-depth interviews were conducted with 43 teachers and school social workers in understanding their role in administering effective interventions to foster positive mental health. The researchers concluded the study with a theoretically rooted framework that informs potential training modules for teachers.