Depression, anxiety in school settings need to be taken seriously: education official

Speaking at the launch of the Vietnam School Psychologist Network in Ho Chi Minh City in early July, Loi said school psychology is increasingly being recognized for its essential role in the national education system, especially as Vietnam moves through a period of comprehensive reform.

"We are witnessing a strong shift in education, from digital transformation and updated teaching tools to new instructional approaches and international integration," he said.

"At the same time, the sector is facing national-level challenges, coupled with the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.

“These changes are not only affecting management and teaching methods but also directly impacting the mental health of students, parents, and teachers.

“Issues such as depression, anxiety from academic pressure, school bullying and emotional trauma are becoming more common and must be acknowledged as serious problems.”

According to Loi, while school mental health support activities have made significant professional progress in recent years, the system still lacks effective coordination and has not fully leveraged available resources such as experts, materials, technology, and data to build a strong and sustainable ecosystem.

In this context, establishing a network of school psychologists in southern Vietnam is a timely and practical step, he added.

The action helps turn fragmented efforts into a comprehensive support system that spans policy, training, communications, and professional development.

Associate Professor Do Tat Thien, head of the psychology department at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, said those pursuing a long-term career in school psychology need to continuously improve their knowledge through advanced courses, hands-on practice or higher-level studies.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Thi Bich Hong, an expert in school psychology and student mental health, highlighted the living conditions faced by many students today.

Drawing from her teaching experience, she mentioned that some classrooms have up to 40 percent of students not living with their parents.

The lack of parental attention can lead to difficulties in social integration and increase the risk of engaging in negative behaviors such as excessive gaming or smoking.

This proves that mental health support must take into account the full range of relationships surrounding students, from family and friends to teachers.

From a practical perspective, Huynh Mai, a school psychologist at Tan Phu Elementary-Middle-High School, said mental health professionals need to understand the internal workings of their schools, including rules, administrative systems, and classroom environments.

She noted that counselors should not be separated from the school structure but instead be actively involved in adjusting even the smallest details, such as style and language used in communication and official documents, to foster a more positive atmosphere for students.