Black Pupils, Mental Wellbeing, and Resilience

Abstract

Mental health and wellbeing are closely related to educational outcomes. This chapter examines the mental health of Black pupils, considering the inescapable role of racism and how it manifests in the classroom. It explores the negative dominant stereotypes that encircle Black children and how these can impact identity, self-esteem, self-belief, and a range of other wellbeing factors. To this end, this chapter seeks to positively reframe these discourses by focusing on the many strengths present within the Black community, the most salient of which, when on the topic of mental health, is resilience. By exploring the specific attributes that lend themselves to resilience, including cultural and social capital, this chapter attempts to provide strengths-based guidance for teachers and schools to promote racial equality and support and develop mental health and wellbeing in Black pupils. In doing so, it also attempts to centre the lived experience of Black children and their families, as well as the role and value of the wider community.