SDG Goal 3 Report: ‘Supporting the Mental Health and Well-being of Higher Education Students.’ Education 20-30. UNESCO

Abstract

· A significant proportion of higher education (HE) students worldwide are experiencing mental health problems and expressing the need for higher education institutions (HEIs) to provide care services.

· HEIs have a responsibility to support students' mental health, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on good health and well-being. Governments have a responsibility to facilitate this support through public policies, primarily funding.

· Students' access to mental health services is hampered by perceptions of mental health, limited institutional capacity to provide mental health care, and financial barriers.

· This brief report on the SDGs identifies good practices from around the world and offers recommendations to HEIs and governments on how to improve student mental health.

· Students should have access to free mental health services, with a range of care options and sufficient qualified staff who understand cultural and identity diversity.

· HEIs and governments should work together to increase knowledge about mental health among students, staff and the general public, combating preconceptions and stigma.

· Through training, teachers can identify students with mental health problems, refer them to relevant resources and, under clear policies, consider academic adjustments.

· Systematic data collection and monitoring enable HEIs and governments to identify gaps, improve the quality of mental health services and develop evidence-based policies.