In the wake of two tragic student suicides on school campuses in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, educational institutions across the city are bolstering their mental health support systems. School administrators have identified peer pressure, rather than academic stress, as a primary driver of mental health challenges, prompting schools to train teachers and engage parents in their initiatives.
Many schools are proactively addressing the mental well-being of their students by offering specialized counselling services and creating comprehensive programs to tackle a variety of issues, including behavioural problems, anxiety, depression, separation anxiety, and eating disorders.
Sheela Mallya, Principal and Chief Academic Board Member at Children’s Academy in Kandivali, commented on the growing concern over student stress. “While academic pressure is still a factor, peer pressure, exacerbated by excessive social media use and family issues, has become a significant source of stress for students. Our counselling sessions are designed to help students cope with these pressures,” Mallya explained.
At the heart of Children’s Academy’s mental health efforts is the CARE program, a multi-faceted initiative involving a team of three specialists. The program integrates activities such as meditation, yoga, and sports to promote well-being, while also teaching essential life skills to help students manage anger and peer pressure. “The goal is to empower students to communicate openly with both their teachers and peers,” Mallya said.
Specialized Support Programs
Several other schools in Mumbai have adopted specialized programs to support students, faculty, and parents. At Campion School in Fort, teachers are assigned to mentor the five most vulnerable students in each classroom. Father Francis Swami, Principal of Campion School, explained that every teacher undergoes training to better understand child psychology, enabling them to detect early signs of behavioural issues. This proactive approach allows schools to intervene before problems escalate.
“The role of parents is critical in addressing mental health issues,” Father Swami added. “While many students feel comfortable discussing their concerns with teachers, we involve parents when necessary to ensure comprehensive support.”
At A M Naik School in Powai, senior teachers serve as mentors for students, helping to monitor their emotional well-being. Principal Madhura Phadke described how the school’s strong counselling department and daily interaction sessions help uncover deeper issues that may not be immediately apparent. “Through professional training, our teachers are equipped to identify concerns and address them early. Our ‘Safe School’ program encourages students to share their observations on academics and other issues, which further supports our efforts,” Phadke said.
In a similar vein, Jamnabai Narsee School in Juhu runs the JAM (Jamnabai Adolescent Mentors) program, where older students from Classes 9 to 12 are trained to serve as peer mentors. Principal Kalpana Patange explained that the peer mentors undergo rigorous training, including off-campus interpersonal skills workshops, to equip them with the tools necessary to support their peers. “The aim is to bridge the gap between students and the counselling department,” Patange said.
Addressing Academic Pressure
Some schools are taking steps to reduce academic stress through flexible learning environments. Orchids The International School, for example, has introduced measures such as flexible deadlines, no-homework weekends, and regular mental health check-ups. Aanchal Shanbhag, Principal of the Koparkhairane campus, noted that the school places a strong emphasis on holistic development, offering co-scholastic subjects designed to improve emotional management, time management, and self-awareness. “Our focus is on developing well-rounded individuals, not just academically accomplished students,” Shanbhag stated.
Training Teachers and Involving Parents
Recognizing that teacher well-being is as important as student well-being, Podar International School in Mumbai has integrated mental health training into its professional development programs. Principal Sanjay Nandi emphasized that regular workshops help teachers understand how to better support their students. The school also encourages students to limit mobile phone use after 6 p.m., a practice aimed at reducing stress from excessive screen time.
At Jamnabai Narsee School, annual in-house training for teachers is complemented by efforts to engage parents in mental health initiatives. However, Father Swami acknowledged that some parents remain disengaged despite the school’s efforts to make these sessions more accessible.
The Impact of Counselling Programs
The effectiveness of these mental health initiatives is evident in success stories shared by school administrators. Principal Madhura Phadke cited the case of a pre-primary student who was deeply affected by the trauma of witnessing her father’s death. “We provided the necessary support to both the student and her mother, even allowing her access to classroom CCTV footage to monitor her child’s progress. Eventually, the mother reported that she felt assured of her child’s recovery,” Phadke said. “This success reinforces our confidence in our counselling systems, and we remain committed to strengthening these programs in the future.”
As schools continue to innovate and expand their mental health resources, the hope is that these efforts will create a safer, more supportive environment for students in Mumbai, helping them navigate the pressures of adolescence with resilience and confidence.
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