Rebuilding the School from Within: Mental Health Month in Education

Context

For six years, InIm Institute has dedicated the month of February to highlighting the importance of well-being within school communities. Over time, this initiative has brought forward interactive activities, educational resources, and training sessions, all designed to support teachers and students in creating school environments where well-being becomes a true priority.

In recent years, the mental health of students and teachers has become one of the most significant challenges facing the education system. Both international and national data indicate a high prevalence of bullying, academic stress, and a diminished sense of belonging. These phenomena directly affect academic performance, motivation, and socio-emotional development.

In this context, InIm Institute, under the High Patronage of the Romanian Senate and in continuation of its partnership with the Senate’s Committee on Education, Science, and Innovation, proposes the launch and implementation of the “Rebuilding the School from Within: Mental Health Month in Education” initiative.

This campaign builds on the Round Table organized on December 4, 2025, in partnership with the Romanian Senate and its Committee on Education, Science, and Innovation. The starting point of that discussion was mental health, approached from multiple perspectives, including the prevention of mental health challenges, combating bullying, innovation in education, and building communities where healthy relationships form the foundation of learning.

The conclusions of this session inspired us and gave us the confidence to continue addressing this topic, with a focus on the following key areas:

• Mental health as an educational priority
• Strengthening the sense of belonging
• Creating safe and connected school communities

The program aims to prevent mental health challenges through informational sessions, practical activities, reflections, and exercises, which, together, strengthen community bonds and develop emotional and social resources.

Campaign Vision

Our vision is that every school functions as a community where students and teachers feel safe, seen, heard, and supported, and where emotional well-being supports both academic performance and personal development.

Motivation for the “Rebuilding the the School from Within: Mental Health Month in Education” Program

In 2026, we continue to bring attention to the importance of mental health in educational settings and to the role schools play in creating safe environments for both students and teachers. When students feel accepted and supported, and when teachers have the resources to manage emotional pressure, school becomes a space that nurtures growth and academic achievement.

One of the phenomena that directly impacts the mental health of children and adolescents is bullying. UNESCO reports that globally, approximately 30% of students have experienced bullying in a recent period, and school violence affects millions of young people each year. This means that nearly 1 in 3 students experiences physical, verbal, or psychological aggression from peers. Bullying is associated with increased risks of anxiety, depression, emotional regulation difficulties, and decreased academic performance. (Source: What you need to know about school violence and bullying | UNESCO)

Beyond the need to prevent and address bullying, recent research highlights the importance of school belonging as a protective factor for mental health. School belonging refers to students’ sense of being accepted, respected, and integrated into the educational environment, not merely physically present at school. Higher levels of school belonging are associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and long-term stress, as well as with improved academic outcomes and active participation in school life. (Source: Students’ Sense of Belonging Matters: Evidence from Three Studies | Teaching + Learning Lab)

In Romania, statistics are not significantly different, prompting us to examine research and data with great care. According to Save the Children Romania, bullying in schools is a significant issue that affects students’ mental health and well-being. The same source indicates that up to 90% of teachers and school counselors believe students are victims of bullying. Other data show that approximately 46% of students have been directly exposed to bullying, while over 80% have witnessed such behaviors among peers. (Source: Save the Children Romania; Predictive Factors Regarding Bullying Behavior in Romanian Schools)

In this context, the “Rebuilding the School from Within: Mental Health Month in Education” initiative, organized by InIm Institute under the High Patronage of the Romanian Senate and in continuation of its partnership with the Committee on Education, Science, and Innovation, brings to the forefront the need for schools where mental health is a priority and where emotional safety, a sense of belonging, and healthy relationships form the foundation the learning process.

Through this national movement, we aim to contribute to raising awareness of the urgent need to reduce bullying and to create safe educational environments where every child and every teacher comes to school with a sense of joy and belonging.

Strategic Objectives

• Increase awareness of mental health in schools
• Strengthen the sense of belonging among students and teachers
• Reduce bullying and exclusionary behaviors
• Equip teachers with tools for emotional classroom management
• Actively engaged and motivated students
• Secure and cohesive school communities

Campaign Structure & weekly topics

Throughout February, we invite teachers and schools across Romania to join the initiative and actively participate in the weekly webinars and workshops:

Week 1: Well-being

Motto: Mental health is a priority in my school!
Students and teachers explore what mental health means, how to recognize signs of stress and difficult emotions, and how to develop strategies for maintaining emotional balance. Activities highlight the importance of self-care, mutual support, and simple practices that contribute to well-being at school.

Week 2: Belonging
Motto: I feel seen, heard, and supported!
Students and teachers explore what belonging means and how it influences the well-being of the entire school community. Activities emphasize the impact of positive relationships, inclusion, and mutual support on mental health and group cohesion.

Week 3: Collaboration
Motto: I actively contribute to my school community!
Students and teachers learn how collaboration and partnerships can support well-being in schools. These ideas, initiatives, and projects create predictable environments in which healthy relationships foster motivation and academic performance.

Week 4: Trust vs. Fear
Motto: I trust myself!
Activities focus on self-confidence and the ability to overcome fear. Participants learn to recognize and value their strengths, communicate with confidence, and strengthen their emotional autonomy.

Join the “Rebuilding the School from Within” Movement

Together, we place mental health at the heart of education, transforming this initiative into a space for reflection and meaningful action.