Dear Editor,

There is a critical need for expanded psychosocial support within our school systems to effectively address the persistent trauma and depression impacting many children. This issue is often underestimated, yet the available data clearly indicate that numerous children have experienced traumatic events that cannot be adequately addressed through traditional counselling or disciplinary measures alone.

Jamaican children have endured significant hardships recently. As a result, schools, guidance counsellors, and deans of discipline are witnessing rises in depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and violent behaviour among students. Although existing internal support systems are in place, they are insufficient given the increasing volume and severity of cases, and reliance solely on internal resources or external referrals may not be adequate.

Psychosocial intervention should be conceptualised as an ongoing process rather than a temporary fix. Continuous monitoring, follow-up support, and tailored interventions are essential to effectively support affected children. Many schools are overwhelmed and are effectively managing cases on their own, which limits their capacity to provide comprehensive care.

To address this, there is a pressing need to establish a national psychosocial intervention team. Such a team would be equipped to handle especially sensitive or severe cases that exceed the capacity of school-based counsellors and deans. Implementing this would significantly benefit both children and the overall educational environment.

Here are three key benefits of robust psychosocial support:

1) enhancement of mental health and emotional resilience

2) improvement of social and relational skills

3) promotion of personal development and self-awareness

Expanding ongoing psychosocial support through psychoeducation, group counselling, and community engagement is essential in addressing many of the challenges our children face.

Ricardo Smith

Senior educator and social scientist

ricardo.professional.edu@gmail.com