As children and adolescents across the country enjoy their August school break, parents have been urged to use this time to get closer to their kids to address critical mental health needs.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 14% of young people globally – which amounts to millions of individuals – have a mental health disorder.
“Worldwide, 10 per cent of children and adolescents experience a mental disorder, but a majority do not seek help or receive care. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-19 year-olds,” the organization states.
In Kenya, reports show that there are many factors that can negatively impact the healthy development of youth’s minds.
According to a report on Mental Health in Children and Youths in Kenya by Resilience Action, approximately 4 per cent of children aged 12 to 17 and 9 per cent of those aged 18 to 24 suffer from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
“In Kenya, the situation is similar, with an estimated one in four individuals seeking medical help facing a mental health condition. Additionally, one in ten people is affected by a common mental disorder. The surge in substance and drug abuse aligns with the deteriorating mental health of the young population. Unfortunately, mental illness in Kenya is often perceived as a spiritual problem rather than a health concern, leading to ignorance and a lack of awareness, hindering medical interventions,” the report reads.
One major driver is the immense stress and pressure placed on children today from academic demands to social media scrutiny, kids are facing unprecedented levels of anxiety about performance and appearance.
The Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (FLANA) Report 2023 noted that the percentage of school-aged children, aged six to fifteen (15) years in Kenya who are out of school has increased from 7.5 per cent in 2021 to 8.5 per cent in 2023.
“9 out 10 children aged 4 to 15 are enrolled in school, 16 in 100 children of pre-school age are out of school while 8 in a 100 children of primary school are out of school and 9 in a 100 children of school going age are out of school,” the report reads.
According to Prof. Johannes Njoka, a professor of education psychology in Karatina University, exposure to abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, and other forms of trauma can profoundly impact a child’s mental well-being, leading to lasting psychological scars.
“We are in a time where there is a lot happening, especially with the ongoing protests by young people (the Gen Z generation). Our children are with their parents and communities, and it is within those families and communities where there has been a lot of activity and unrest due to the protests,” he said.
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He added that many children lack access to the support and resources needed to process and heal from these traumatic events.
“The school breaks provide a valuable opportunity for parents to reconnect with their children and adolescents on a deeper level, this quality time together can help strengthen family bonds and support the mental well-being of our youth,” he said.
Monicah Kagori, a counseling psychologist and board chair at Ndima Kanini Academy, said there is a rise in mental health problems among students when they return to school after long breaks.
“We see a lot more cases of anxiety, depression, and other issues when students go back to the classroom,” she said.
She added that the transition back to the structured school environment, along with academic pressures and social dynamics, can be overwhelming for many children and adolescents.
“When children return to school, most of them do not seem as happy as they were when they break for their holiday, we understand that parents and guardians are busy, but we request that they spend more time with their children to avoid mental health disorders,” she said.
Dr. Josphat Kagema, a senior lecturer in the School of Education and Social Science at Karatina University noted that there is a great need for an integrated approach in how parents are trying to raise their children.
“We need to provide support to our children from all levels, we want to give them the future they aspire to, and for that, we need to be there for our children. We should know them and the challenges they are facing,” he said.
By Macharia Kiarie
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