Education for Inclusive Societies 11th Policy Forum

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, education systems worldwide have faced a significant rise in student mental health issues and absence rates. In response, education systems have placed greater emphasis on mental health and well-being initiatives, which are crucial for creating supportive learning environments. These initiatives not only promote psychological resilience but also help improve attendance and academic performance by addressing the root causes of student disengagement. For students, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, mental health support is essential, as they often encounter unique challenges and barriers that can hinder their access to adequate support.

By prioritising well-being and mental health in education, schools can create environments where students feel supported, understood and empowered to succeed. This approach not only improves academic outcomes but also contributes to the overall development of resilient and well-equipped individuals.

The Education for Inclusive Societies project’s 11^th policy forum, Engaging learners: fostering inclusion through well-being and mental health supports, discussed this topic over four sessions with a range of policy experts and researchers. It gathered around 100 participants from 23 OECD and 3 non‑OECD countries, the European Commission, the European Space Agency, the Trade Union Advisory Committee to the OECD (TUAC) and OECD analysts. The forum’s discussions are a vital step toward ongoing dialogue and action to ensure that all students receive the mental health support they deserve.

Mr. Andreas Schleicher (OECD Secretariat/Directorate for Education and Skills) presented an overview of the current state of equity and well-being across OECD countries, drawing from the latest PISA results, via a pre-recording.

Ms. Francisca Lopes (OECD Employment Labour and Social Affairs Directorate, Health Division) provided an overview of the OECD Council Recommendation on Integrated Mental Health, Skills and Work Policy (2016), with a particular focus on youth policy.

Prof. Valeria Cavioni (Universitas Mercatorum) presented the Erasmus + project, Promehs – promoting mental health at school, co‑funded by the European Commission (2019-2022), which was designed to develop, implement and evaluate a mental health promotion curriculum in schools.

Ms. Raluca Painter (European Commission/DG REFORM) provided an overview of reforms relating to the promotion of well-being and mental health in education, supported by the Technical Support Instruments (TSI) of the European Commission’s DG Reform.

Professor James O’Higgins Norman (Dublin City University) delivered the presentation “The Cost of Bullying in Schools: Human & Economic Factors”, which provided an extensive overview of the phenomenon of bullying.