LIMERICK primary school principals who participated in a survey by the Irish Primary Principals’ Network have reported a 60 per cent rise in emotional disturbance among their pupils. 85 per cent of the Limerick principals surveyed also reported a rise in attention disorders, while the number of pupils experiencing family trauma increased by 40 per cent. The number of Limerick primary pupils experiencing depression rose by 15 per cent, as did the level of violent behaviour among pupils.
There was also a ten per cent rise in the number of Limerick pupils arriving to school hungry.
A spokesperson for the IPPN noted that the sample size of Limerick principals was small, with 24 Limerick city and county schools represented out of a total of 847 survey respondents.
The increases in depression and violent behaviour reported by Limerick principals were just below the survey averages of approximately 20 per cent; the other figures corresponded with the national average.
The figures were released this week as the government published its new national guidelines on mental health and suicide prevention in secondary schools.
IPPN Director Seán Cottrell warned that the issue is not confined to secondary schools and that more needs to be done for primary pupils.
The IPPN has called for a greater emphasis on social, personal and health education to build children’s confidence and communications skills to help them deal with mental health issues.
