Supporting someone else

One way that you can help other students is by remembering that we all feel vulnerable sometimes, and that this is okay. You can remind your fellow students that we are all just human at the end of the day, and that it is important to share one’s struggles with others.

As part of the SIS community, we have all pledged to Make a Difference. So we all have a responsibility to help others when they are in need.

If you are worried about a friend in school, you can help them by encouraging them to talk to a trusted adult.

Has your friend spoken to their parents? You can tell your friend that talking to parents is important, since parents need to know if their child is struggling.

It is good if you can encourage your friend to speak directly to their parents or, alternatively, a teacher, Tutor, Head of House or counsellor at school.

If your friend feels more comfortable talking to an adult at school first, then you can encourage them to speak to either their Tutor or Head of House. If they are worried, perhaps you can accompany your friend. Do also remind your friend that they are welcome to speak to the school counsellor or our school social workers.

Your friend might be reluctant to reach out to adults. If so, it is still important that you inform an adult – like your friend’s parents and a teacher at school, or your own parents. That way, you can seek advice from them, and not deal with everything on you own. It’s important that you do not shoulder all the responsibility, as this is not safe in the long run.

If you are worried that a friend might hurt themselves or someone else, you have a responsibility to inform your friend’s parents and a teacher at school, who will help.

You also have this responsibility if you think a friend is engaging in harmful behavior.

Put safety first. If you are really worried about a friend, it is not safe to deal with things on your own. If you inform a trusted adult, both you and your friend can get support, so that things can hopefully improve for you both.

As a friend or classmate, you can try to actively reach out when you observe any drastic changes in someone’s moods or behaviors. You can also try to:

• understand their feelings by listening to them wholeheartedly

• ask open questions

• try not to judge or criticize

• suggest activities you can do together so your classmate/friend feels less alone

Research shows that caring, supportive relationships with friends or family can make a big difference for someone who is struggling. In fact, we all need social connection and a feeling that we belong. This is crucial to everyone’s mental wellbeing.

You can make a difference by showing your friend that want to spend time with them and that you care.

If a student is struggling, parents and teachers have a special role to play. Their role is different from that of a fellow student, who is a young person. After all, parents are responsible for making sure their child is well and safe. Parents are your legal guardians.

If you are worried about a classmate or friend, it is important to let a trusted adult know. That way, you and the person you're worried about can get help and support.

Parents (and teachers) will often have resources and knowledge that can help your classmate/friend. For example, if a student is feeling unwell, their parents may know whether it’s necessary to call a GP or other health professionals. Parents may also know how to comfort and soothe their own child.

As for teachers, they often know how to listen compassionately to the student, and help the student develop their problem-solving skills. Teachers can also explain why counselling might be helpful. They can help set up an appointment with our school counselling services, where the student can get further support.

Teachers have an important role to play if a student is struggling. Like parents, teachers will often have resources and knowledge that can help your classmate/friend. For example, teachers know the school well and they may know your friend really well too.

Often, teachers also know how to listen compassionately to a student, and help the student develop their problem-solving skills.

Teachers can also explain why counselling might be helpful. They can help set up an appointment with our school counselling services, where the student can get further support.

Remember, teachers are responsible for and enjoy helping students thrive at school. In particular, Tutors and Heads of House have a special responsibility to make sure each student has support at home and at school. It is therefore very important to reach out to teachers – such as Tutors or Heads of House – if you are worried about a friend, or you yourself are struggling.