Mental Health Services In Schools Now Mandated by Law

Recognizing the importance of children's mental health, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act on December 9. This law aims to bring mental health support directly into schools to help students and school staff manage stress, cope with emotional challenges, and improve overall well-being.

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Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act or Republic Act No. 12080

The law, Republic Act No. 12080, will introduce mental health and well-being programs for students and school staff in public and private basic education schools. Specifically, it will establish care centers and expand their access to professional mental health services, addressing the growing mental health crisis.

It also aims to address the lack of licensed guidance counselors by creating better-paying career paths. Counselors' salary grades will be raised from SG 11–13 to SG 16–24, increasing their maximum salary potential by 11 grade levels.

"This Act ensures that our learners and school personnel are emotionally and mentally equipped to excel, even in the face of these modern challenges," President Marcos said during the signing ceremony at Malacañang Palace.

He emphasized that the urgency of the law is due to growing global mental health concerns, pointing out that "17 percent of young people in the Philippines have considered taking their own lives, yet fewer than one percent seek help."

The President also sees this law as a way to position schools as a "first line of defense" against mental health challenges. "This law aims to bridge that gap by embedding mental health services directly into our schools—our nation's first line of defense against mental health issues," he said.

"Through this Act, schools will become sanctuaries of learning and of well-being. Care centers staffed by trained professionals will provide counseling and stress management workshops and programs to reduce stigma around mental health," Marcos added.

Further, he highlighted the high costs of neglecting mental health, pointing out that it could result in a global loss of $16 trillion by 2030. Marcos stressed that this law would help mitigate these challenges, allowing students to stay focused and contribute positively to society.

To help meet the need for mental health services, the law permits volunteer teachers who have completed the required training to act as guidance advocates, providing additional pay for their services. It also allows trained psychologists to provide counseling in schools and expands the roles of those with at least 18 units in behavioral science as "school counselor associates."

The act will also establish a system for schools to conduct mental health screenings and evaluations, and to monitor students' well-being. Schools will be equipped to refer students who need further diagnosis to licensed professionals outside the school system, ensuring that students receive comprehensive care and support.

DepEd data revealed alarming figures of student suicides and attempts, with 404 suicides and 2,147 attempted suicides reported in 2021 alone.

Click here to learn how certain disciplinary actions can impact children's mental health.