Exploring adolescent learners’ mental and behavioural health challenges at a rural high school: Behavioural and support needs

Adolescent learners’ mental and behavioural health issues have been the primary concern over the past few years, specifically in rural high schools that are sometimes referred to as disadvantaged schools due to a lack of infrastructure, study materials, teaching staff, and services at large. This study explored adolescent learners’ mental and behavioural health issues for their behavioural and support needs in a rural high school setting. It adopted a qualitative approach and interpretive paradigm. Eight participants were purposively selected at a rural school. This study used a semi-structured interview instrument to collect data. Narrative results revealed that adolescent learners seek help for their mental and behavioural health needs by sharing with their teachers in school and consulting with the representative council of learners. At the same time, some prefer to talk with their peers because they feel comfortable and free to share their difficulties with them. It is important to consider that rural schools need support systems, which help teachers and learners to cater to their mental and behavioural health issues.