China in May launched a one-month, nationwide campaign to help children improve their psychological well-being. A circular, recently released by China's Ministry of Education, indicated the campaign, the first of its kind in the country, was intended to create a favorable environment to help children improve their psychological health.

The circular called on education authorities (in all regions of the country) to organize mental health education and guidance initiatives tailored to the needs of children, of all ages.

The circular stressed the authorities should provide training to teachers at kindergartens and primary and middle schools, so they could better help children maintain their mental health.

The circular also stressed special attention should be paid to the mental health of migrant and children whose parents had left home to work elsewhere. Psychological counseling and intervention should be provided to such children when necessary.

The circular urged primary and middle schools to invite psychologists and education experts to publicize information about minors' psychological health, so teachers could better help their students stay psychologically healthy.

The circular also called on the authorities and schools to help parents raise their awareness about the importance of helping their children maintain their mental health. The organizations should host lectures and offer parents counseling to help them improve their ability to educate their children, said the circular.

In addition, the circular suggested schools should share their experiences in helping children improve their psychological health.

(Women of China English Monthly June 2024 issue)

Editor: Wang Shasha