Schools will be asked to track pupils’ happiness

UK schools are being asked to monitor children’s happiness and mental health as part of lessons in relationships, sex and health education. The information will be used to create a ‘happiness index’ which will track young people’s well-being. An annual ‘State of the Nation’ report will be published highlighting mental health trends among the UK’s youth. This will be the first time that mental health will be given the same level of focus as physical health and academic attainment. These plans are part of the government’s wider mental health strategy which also intends to send thousands of therapists into classrooms across the country. The strategy hopes to tackle growing concerns around reports of increased levels of anxiety among young people. The UK’s first minister for suicide prevention was also appointed earlier this month.