TC “Social and emotional learning for the mental health of young people”

In promoting young people’s mental health, the development of social and emotional competencies, such as enhancing positive self-esteem and self-efficacy, enhancing the management of feelings, thoughts and behaviours, building positive social relationships and fostering the ability to learn and acquire education is of particular importance. Social and emotional learning aims to facilitate social and emotional development in young people thereby supporting young people in realising their potential, enhancing mental health and wellbeing, maximising their participation in education, training and employment, and reducing health and social inequities. Focusing on psychosocial strengths and protective factors rather than behavioural problems and risk factors for mental health is also likely to be more acceptable to young people, and may relieve some of the stigma related to mental health problems.

Youth workers need a set of competencies to effectively promote the mental health and well-being of young people. Awareness of these competencies can assist in identifying areas of development for staff and assessing the quality of social and emotional learning practices. Competencies required to promote positive mental health and well-being among young people have been identified by the Council of Europe.