The invisible problem? Improving students’ mental health

If there is risk of harm, many universities contact parents even
if it is against the student’s wishes. For example, part of the
University of Oxford’s disclosure policy is:
It is generally inappropriate to speak to a student’s family
against the student’s wishes. Contact may occasionally be
justified in the students’ best interests e.g. when a student is at
risk of self-harm.
It would be better if there were an option to contact someone
other than a parent – which tends to be the default – as some
students will have difficult family relationships. This could be
achieved by having students provide an emergency contact
of their choice at enrolment and using this person, which
may or may not be a family member, when contact needs
to be made against a student’s wishes due to risk of harm.
It is also strongly recommended that universities ensure
robust support arrangements are made for students with
a history of mental health problems who are spending
time away from the university for reasons such as studying
abroad or working on placement.
iv. Staff training
Staff who regularly interact with students should have
access to materials and training about student mental
health. They should be aware of university policy and support
systems, understand where the boundaries of the university’s
duty of care lie, know how to recognise symptoms of poor
mental health and be aware of vulnerable groups. Chapter six
of the Mental Wellbeing in Higher Education Working Group/
UUK report addresses this topic in detail. 76
42 The invisible problem? Improving students’ mental health