On the 10th of October, every year “World Mental Health Day” is celebrated with campaigns, speeches, and awareness programs. But is it enough? Despite their burden and high prevalence, in many parts of the world, mental health disorders in children and adolescents remain neglected. In countries where more than half of the population is younger than 18 years old, one of every five children and adolescents suffers from mental health disorders.

Detecting these conditions through screening in a timely and accurate manner is essential. Educational institutions especially need to develop a policy where mental screening is coupled with traditional background screening, helping to identify individuals who need serious help.

Index The complex relationship between mental health and educational institute violence The ethical implications of screening for mental health conditions at educational institutes The limitations of background checks in identifying potential risks The importance of comprehensive mental health support services F.A.Qs

The complex relationship between mental health and educational institute violence 

Research has proven that many incidents of violence in educational institutions are directly linked to individuals who are struggling with untreated or undiagnosed mental health conditions.  On 14th December 2012, a mass shooting occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School, United States, killing 20 children between six and seven years old. The person in context was Adam Lanza, who later killed himself with a gunshot to the head.

According to the Office of Child Advocate, Lanza suffered from Asperger’s Syndrome. As a teenager, he suffered from depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. His severe mental health problems, combined with his access to deadly weapons proved to be the recipe for mass murder. 

Could this have been avoided? Maybe, maybe not. Could the educational institution play a much more proactive role in identifying Lanza as a child with mental health problems? Yes, definitely.

Mental health screenings can help identify individuals who may be at risk of harming themselves or others. If educational institutions implement regular mental health assessments as part of their safety protocols, they can spot early signs of stress, anxiety, or potential behavioural issues. Early intervention allows educational institutions to offer support and resources that help students and staff manage their mental health proactively.

Moreover, by normalizing mental health screening, educational institutions can create an environment that prioritizes mental well-being. This approach contributes to a culture where students and staff are encouraged to seek help before problems escalate. 

The ethical implications of screening for mental health conditions at educational institutes 

In a parallel universe, mental health discussions could have been done openly, without creating any prejudices, however, society at present doesn’t allow this convenience. The practice of screening for mental health conditions presents a crucial dilemma: balancing the need for safety vs. the right to privacy. Educational institutions have the dual responsibility of creating a secure environment and upholding the individual rights of students and staff alike. 

Educational institutions can implement mental health screenings to identify at-risk individuals and prevent potential incidents of violence or disruption. However, mental health is an intensely personal aspect, and disclosing such information can feel invasive. Privacy laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the U.S., provide stringent guidelines on how personal health data should be handled. 

For schools to create a more inclusive environment, obtaining consent from students and staff before any mental health screening can be a game changer. This means that students, parents (for minors), or staff members are fully aware of the purpose of the screening, what it entails, how the results will be used, and their rights to decline participation. 

The limitations of background checks in identifying potential risks 

Traditional background checks cater to an individual’s criminal data, financial data, or educational credentials. While these checks are a great tool to gain insights into a person or student’s past behaviour and reliability it in no way gives information related to the individual’s mental health.  

A comprehensive background check may be mistaken as a testimony that the individual being hired - as in the staff, or a student being given admission  - is a green flag, and possesses no harm whatsoever to the educational institute. However, someone with no criminal record and past offences at all may still struggle with severe stress, depression, or any other mental health issue.

Think of mental health illnesses as the roots of a tree hidden underground. The tree seems strong and healthy on the surface, but beneath the soil, there could be roots that are tangled, weakened, or decaying. These issues aren't visible from above, so someone looking at the tree might believe it to be entirely sound. However, when strong winds come or the environment changes, the hidden weaknesses in the roots may cause the tree to be uprooted.

Background checks may help educational institutes uncover information that an individual has hidden, but incase of mental health illness, it is something covered and brought to anybody’s attention until and unless things have escalated to a catastrophic level as in the case of Adam Lanza. 

The importance of comprehensive mental health support services 

Adam Lanza and many others like him serve as a reminder for educational institutions to adopt a proactive approach rather than react after an incident has happened. A proactive approach to mental health involves early identification and ongoing support, ensuring that students and staff have access to resources before issues become critical. 

The Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) program at the University of Michigan is a well-known example of a proactive mental health service. CAPS offers individual counselling, workshops, and crisis intervention to support students. These services have helped in reducing stress-related incidents and ensuring that students have a consistent support system.

When mental health support is combined with background screening, educational institutions can monitor and assist students and staff more effectively. For instance, if a screening raises concerns that aren’t tied to criminal activity but indicate the need for additional support, schools can direct those individuals toward counselling or wellness programs. This integrated approach ensures that red flags lead not to exclusion or stigmatization but to constructive interventions that benefit everyone involved.

Ensuring safety and creating a supportive environment in educational institutions goes beyond standard background checks. Traditional checks are essential, but they must be paired with comprehensive mental health support services to effectively mitigate potential risks and promote well-being. Check Xperts, a trusted background screening company in Pakistan, is committed to helping institutions develop robust screening policies. By integrating thorough background checks with an understanding of mental health considerations, Check Xperts can aid educational institutions in creating safer and more inclusive environments.

F.A.Qs

1. What is the purpose of mental health screening in the context of background checks?  
   Mental health screening aims to identify psychological issues in people that could impact an individual’s ability to perform safely and effectively.
   
   
2. Are mental health screenings required in most background checks?
   No, most background checks do not require mental health screenings unless mandated by specific job roles or sectors.
   
   
3. What is assessed in a mental health screening for employment?   
   Mental health screenings for employment typically assess signs of psychological distress, behavioural patterns, and overall emotional stability. 
   
   
4. How is a mental health screening different from a background check? 
   A mental health screening evaluates psychological well-being, while a background check reviews a person’s criminal, educational, or financial history.