Mirella Pandjaitan
Oct 21, 2025
The adolescent period is critical in a young person’s social, emotional, and mental development. It’s during these years that lifelong habits are formed: routines around sleep and exercise, emotional regulation, coping strategies, and relationship-building skills. These foundations directly influence a young person’s sense of well-being, their relationships, and their ability to thrive in both school and life.
However, this is also a stage filled with pressure. Young people today are navigating an intricate mix of academic demands, identity exploration, social comparison through social media, and the need to fit in among peers. These challenges—combined with biological and neurological changes—can be emotionally overwhelming.
One in seven adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 experiences a mental health disorder, noted the World Health Organisation. This underscores the significance of nurturing environments, both at home and in school, where young people feel safe, supported, and equipped with the tools they need to manage life’s complexities.
Effective well-being education
In leading international schools, wellbeing education is no longer seen as an optional add-on, but as a core component of student development. A growing number of schools are implementing structured, evidence-based well-being programmes that combine social-emotional learning (SEL), restorative practices, and student voice initiatives.
These approaches help students build key skills, such as self-awareness, resilience, empathy, and responsible decision-making. Restorative practices, in particular, focus on relationships and accountability—helping students reflect on their behaviour, understand its impact, and resolve conflict through compassion and communication. The result is oftentimes a stronger sense of connection and reduced instances of repeated negative behaviour.
Importantly, these methods are producing measurable benefits. Schools that have integrated wellbeing into their curriculum and culture report improvements such as:
- Decreased behavioural referrals and peer conflict
- Higher engagement in the classroom
- Increased student willingness to seek help
- Positive feedback from students in wellbeing and satisfaction surveys
This data reflects what educators increasingly recognise: when students feel emotionally safe and supported, they are better able to learn, grow, and connect.
Well-being beyond the classroom
Well-being education also plays a critical role in preparing students for life after school. While academic achievement remains noteworthy, the ability to navigate change, manage stress, build meaningful relationships, and think critically is what truly prepares students for success in the world beyond the classroom.
Emotional literacy, resilience, and empathy are not mere helpful “extras”; they’re essential life skills that support young people through higher education, career transitions, and adult relationships. Students who develop these capabilities are more adaptable, more confident in handling adversity, and more likely to lead with integrity in diverse settings.
International schools that prioritise well-being are, in effect, preparing students not just for exams, but for the future, where emotional intelligence, communication, and social responsibility are increasingly valued.
Power of student voice and community support
A key strength of holistic well-being programmes lies in student involvement. In some schools, wellbeing is co-created with learners through student-led initiatives—peer mentoring, awareness campaigns, and support networks that ensure no one feels isolated or overlooked. This student-centred approach builds leadership, fosters inclusion, and helps create a community where young people support one another.
Family involvement is also crucial. Many schools are building strong partnerships with parents through open communication, counselling support, and resources to navigate family transitions, especially important in international communities where mobility and cultural shifts can impact emotional stability.
Supporting adolescent well-being is a complex task, and one that requires a collective measure from educators, families, and the wider school community. Schools that embed well-being into everyday practice and view students as active participants in their own growth are helping to shape not just healthy learners, but capable, compassionate global citizens.
By fostering emotional strength alongside academic readiness, these learning environments give students the confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.
