Sociology

Qualitative research

Pedagogy

Head teachers

School teachers

Social science

Psychotherapist

Biology

Mental health

Mathematics education

Paleontology

Psychology

Anthropology

Context (archaeology)

Focus group

Pastoral Care in Education

This study aimed to explore teachers' and head teachers' understandings of how they work to support pupils' mental health through their everyday practices. A qualitative study, including individual interviews with head teachers and focus groups with teachers, was conducted in lower secondary schools in Norway. Rich descriptions of teachers' and head teachers' everyday practices in supporting pupils' mental health are presented in two main themes: working with individual pupils through teaching and learning, and working with the school context. Taken together, these themes illustrate the different ways teachers and head teachers (proactively and reactively) support young people's mental health as a core aspect of their educational role, as well as some of the challenges therein. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

Supporting pupils’ mental health through everyday practices: a qualitative study of teachers and head teachers