SA psychologist calls for mental health in schools

As South Africa wraps up Youth Month, we turn the spotlight to a topic often whispered about in school corridors but rarely addressed head-on: mental health among young people, especially learners.

Fred Schouwink, an educational psychologist with a background in teaching and a PhD in child psychology, breaks down this critical matter. He has worked at Saheti School for over a decade.

“Just because you’re not depressed or anxious doesn’t mean you’re mentally healthy. Mental health is not merely the absence of symptoms; it’s about flourishing,” said Schouwink.

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What is mental health in a school context?

Schouwink believes that to truly understand mental health in education, we need to go beyond buzzwords.

“Many talk about mental health, but few can define it. Mental health means being in a state where you’re not just surviving but thriving.

“In the school context, this looks like learners feeling a sense of belonging, purpose, and the ability to manage emotions effectively.”

He explained that three key areas are essential:

• Connection – to oneself, to peers, and to teachers or caregivers.
• Autonomy – the feeling of control and self-direction.
• Self-awareness – recognising and regulating one’s emotions.

“A learner who feels seen, accepted, and supported is more likely to flourish academically and emotionally,” he explained.

From teaching to therapy: A passion for helping youth thrive

Having started his career as a teacher, Schouwink’s transition into educational psychology was driven by a need to do more.

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“I taught life orientation and languages in environments where learners came from challenging circumstances. I realised I needed better tools to support them emotionally.”

His PhD research explored the impact of parental loss on adolescent boys, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It was fascinating to hear how their identities were shaped by such a profound loss. Some didn’t even have photos or stories of their parents. Not knowing where you come from deeply affects your sense of self.”

Bridging learning and wellbeing: The CEA approach

At Saheti, Schouwink and his colleagues introduced the Cognitive Enrichment Advantage (CEA), a teaching strategy grounded in metacognition – thinking about one’s thinking.

“We want learners to connect with what they’re learning. If they understand the ‘why’ behind a lesson, they’re more likely to engage, retain, and apply that knowledge,” he said.

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According to Schouwink, CEA promotes tools that help learners:

• Find inner meaning in their studies.
• Embrace a feeling of challenge, which is necessary for growth.
• Build emotional intelligence and self-motivation.

This shift also addresses the rampant issue of performance anxiety, which is on the rise due to academic pressure and the isolating effects of social media.

“We’re raising children who love acknowledgement more than learning. We must reverse this. True education should cultivate curiosity and resilience, not just good marks.”

Schouwink emphasises that anxiety is not a weakness but a part of the learning process.

“Growth requires discomfort. The trick is not to avoid fear, but to face it.”

He offered practical coping strategies:

• Get enough sleep. Poor sleep intensifies anxiety.
• Balance your thoughts. Avoid all-or-nothing thinking.
• Step out of your comfort zone. Taking risks builds resilience.
• Acknowledge your emotions. Naming a feeling is the first step to managing it.

“It’s possible to be anxious and still take a step forward. You don’t need to feel 100% ready to grow.”

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A call for change in the education system

He believes that South Africa’s education system must evolve.

“We’re moving into a world where skills, not just knowledge, matter. Learners need to be taught how to think critically, regulate emotions, and adapt to uncertainty.”

With the rise of AI and instant access to information, learners need emotional literacy, problem-solving abilities, and inner resilience now more than ever.

“We must stop protecting children from every discomfort. Let them fall, let them try, and let them get up. That’s how they grow.”

Why this matters

As we conclude Youth Month, let us remember that celebrating the potential of young people means creating environments where they can thrive mentally, emotionally, and intellectually.

Mental health should not be an afterthought in our schools; it should be the foundation.

Let’s move from awareness to action. Because when learners flourish, so does the future.