Schools revive safety courses to combat bullying and mental health crises

Schools, kindergartens and colleges across the country have reintroduced personal safety courses. These classes teach children how to respond in difficult or dangerous situations. The move comes as concerns grow over bullying and mental health among young people. A year ago, the Regional Psychological Support Center opened to tackle stress, depression, anxiety, bullying and violence among teenagers. Its work includes art therapy, psychological games and emotional release techniques to help minors process their feelings. Officials say strained family relationships, lack of emotional support, school struggles and bullying are the main causes of mental health problems in adolescents.

At a recent forum called Law and Order: A Guarantee of a Safe Childhood, educators, police and prosecutors discussed the rise in bullying and juvenile crime. They noted that school psychologists are overworked and understaffed. Bullying often makes teenagers feel worthless, sometimes leading to severe outcomes like suicide attempts.

In the Atyrau region, training seminars and programmes now aim to counsel young people and improve family relationships. Experts agree that preventing these issues needs long-term, coordinated effort, with school psychologists playing a key role. The reintroduction of safety courses and psychological support programmes signals a stronger focus on child welfare. Schools and authorities are working to address bullying and mental health challenges before they escalate. The success of these measures will depend on sustained resources and collaboration.