Only 1 in 10 teachers trained to support mental health of pupils, says SAMH

Only 12 per cent of teachers feel they have had adequate training in mental health, according to an new survey by the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).

In an online survey of all school staff conducted last year, 66 per cent said they had had sufficient training in mental health to do their job properly.

SAMH have called for the Scottish Government to embed mental health training in teacher education.

The reports comes as the government is reviewing personal and social education (PSE), including the provision of guidance and other support for pupils.

SAMH chief executive Billy Watson told the BBC: "We can really make some difference in terms of the training that is available for all schools-based staff for the sake of our young people's mental health."

The Scottish Government launched the review of PSE after Holyrood's Education Committee warned provision was inconsistent and inadequate to support school children with issues such as mental health, sexuality and relationships.