MENTAL HEALTH OF LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS – CURRENT SITUATION AND SUPPORT ORIENTATIONS FROM SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK (A Case Study at Hoang Van Thu Lower Secondary School and Linh Nam Lower Secondary School, Hoang Mai Ward, Hanoi)

Authors: To Phuong Oanh & Dang Thi Huyen Oanh

ABSTRACT

The mental health of lower secondary school students (ages 11-15) is shaped by significant psycho-physiological changes while they simultaneously face academic pressure and the growing influence of social environments, particularly online spaces. This study surveyed 200 students from two lower secondary schools in Hoang Mai Ward, Hanoi, using a mixed-methods approach: quantitative data were collected through the DASS-21 scale, and qualitative insights were obtained from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Findings indicate that students’ mental health is at a concerning level, with many frequently experiencing stress, anxiety, and sadness; some even reported thoughts of dropping out or self-harm. The main contributing factors include excessive parental expectations, exam-related pressure, fragmented life-skills activities, limited school counseling, and the negative impact of social media. Based on these findings, the study proposes that school social work should strengthen early detection, implement structured life-skills and value-based programs, foster family – school – community connections, advise on internal policies, and establish crisis prevention measures, with trained and dedicated staff playing a central role.

Keywords: Mental health; Lower secondary school students; School social work.

REFERENCES

  1. Ministry of Education and Training (2022). Decision No. 2138/QD-BGDDT: Mental Health Education Plan for Children and Students, 2022–2025. Hanoi: Ministry of Education and Training.
  2. Nguyen Mai Huong, Tran Binh Nguyen, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Mai, & Vu Anh Tuan (2023). School bullying and mental health among lower secondary students in Hanoi. Vietnam Medical Journal, 532(2), 259–262.
  3. Nguyen Ngoc Bao Quyen, Pham Thi Hong Linh, et al. (2025). Mental health status of upper secondary students in Hanoi: A cross-sectional study on depression, anxiety, and stress. Journal of Community Medicine, 66(10), 79–86.
  4. Tran Thi Le Thu & Nguyen Thi Nhan Ai (2019). Psychological health of lower and upper secondary students in Hanoi. Journal of Hanoi National University of Education, 64(1), 91–98.
  5. Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research (QCMHR) (2023). Vietnam National Adolescent Mental Health Survey (V-NAMHS) – Report. Brisbane & Hanoi: University of Queensland.
  6. Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2020). A systematic review: The influence of social media on depression, anxiety and psychological distress in adolescents. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1), 79–93.
  7. World Health Organization (2021). Mental Health Atlas 2020. Geneva: World Health Organization.