School and community facilities help to promote kids' mental health

China has strengthened the provision of psychological services for children and adolescents on campuses and in communities in recent years to promote the mental health of juveniles, a health official said on Monday.

Li Dachuan, deputy director of the National Health Commission's Department of Medical Administration, said a national drive that started in 2018 has seen about 96 percent of villages or communities, all colleges and 95 percent of primary and middle schools in trial regions set up mental health facilities.

He spoke at a news conference held ahead of the 32nd World Mental Health Day, which falls on Tuesday. This year's theme in China, set by the commission, calls for focusing on the mental health of children and teenagers.

Li said continuous efforts had also been made to advance the development of psychology hospitals and psychology departments at general hospitals.

"We have also been providing continuing education and training for psychiatrists to improve their clinical skills, while formulating diagnosis and treatment protocols," he said.

Liu Peijun, deputy director of the Ministry of Education's Department of Physical Health and Art Education, said 17 government departments had jointly released an action plan in April aimed at improving the mental health of students by 2025.

"The release of the document signals that addressing the mental health issues of students has been deemed a central and prominent task," he said.

Liu added that the document outlined how governments, society at large, schools, families and hospitals could join efforts to help students resolve their mental health issues.