Mental Health Professionals to Support Schools Against Bullying

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada has announced the launch of Nuestra Tarea es la Paz (Peace Is Our Homework), a bullying prevention program targeting parents, teachers, and students in public schools. The program is part of a broader mental health strategy set to begin on March 1, focused on improving the emotional well-being of students across the capital.

"We will meet with public education agencies at the federal level that are involved with these issues, to promptly address the mental health of students," stated Brugada. Nuestra Tarea es la Paz will bring mental health professionals into schools to provide talks, counseling, and guidance to students and teachers, added Brugada. The initiative is part of a project announced by Brugada in November, coordinated with SEP.

At the inauguration of the first Center for the Care of Emotions Vida Plena Corazón Contento, Brugada announced that mental health specialists will visit schools in Mexico City to identify students in need of support. The initiative, coordinated with the Mexican government, will focus on prevention in secondary and higher education schools, with 200 mental health professionals visiting schools every two weeks.

Brugada announced the creation of an extensive network for primary mental health care services, including the transformation of the Institute for the Care and Prevention of Addictions (IAPA) into the Institute of Mental Health and Addictions, which will focus on human rights, gender, life course, and community care approaches.

This mental health strategy includes the construction of a 24-hour clinic and the development of programs for students and the public. It aims to prevent and address depression, anxiety, suicide, bullying, and other mental health disorders, with a focus on youth, women, and older adults.

“Mental and emotional health is a fundamental part of primary health care, which serves as the gateway to an effective, integrated healthcare system for all individuals,” said Nadine Gasman, Mexico City Minister of Health.