International Survey of Principals on School Mental Health

More than 1,100 school principals from 30 countries were surveyed in 2008 about the emotional and mental health issues they see among their students and staff. This survey, administered by HHD, was developed through a partnership between the International Alliance for Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Schools (Intercamhs)—for whom HHD serves as Secretariat—and the International Confederation of Principals (ICP).

Results show that principals, regardless of their levels of experience, emphasize the need for professional development and other resources to help identify students who might need services as well as the need to develop strategies for creating school environments that are more conducive to mental and emotional well-being. Based on these findings, Intercamhs and ICP plan to promote greater professional exchange around mental health promotion in schools and create new tools and Web-based learning opportunities to support educators. These efforts will be strengthened by additional country surveys, which will use this first analysis to target future questions more effectively.