Dr. Lia M. Boediman’s Lecture at FoE UIII: Enriching the Discourse on Child Mental Health
February 15, 2024
Contributor: Irkham Zamzuri | Editor: Supriyono
UIII, Depok – The UIII Faculty of Education had the privilege of hosting Dr. Lia M. Boediman, a distinguished lecturer from the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Indonesia, for a guest lecture on Child Mental Health. This lecture was an integral part of the Child and Student Well-being course, led by esteemed Charyna Ayu Rizkyanti PhD, and Dr. Lukman Nul Hakim, and was attended by students of MA and PhD levels.
Dr. Boediman, a graduate of the doctoral program in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University Hawaii, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the lecture. Her presentation, titled “Children’s Mental Health in School,” delved into three core challenges faced by children in school environments: Social Pressures, Academic Stress, and Familial Issues. These areas are critical to understanding and supporting the mental well-being of students in educational settings.
The lecture emphasized the importance of addressing mental health in school settings, focusing on the need for early intervention, fostering academic excellence, and ensuring long-term health. “Mental health is not merely the absence of mental illness but also involves promoting wellness, social, emotional, and behavioral health, and the ability to cope with life’s challenges. Good mental health is critical to children’s success in school and life,” Dr. Boediman explained.
A key highlight of the lecture was the reference to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2007 recommendation, advocating for schools to function as primary mental health support systems. This involves implementing comprehensive services focused on promotion, prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation to support student mental health.
Dr. Boediman poignantly stated, “Every child has the right to go to school and learn, free from fear,” a sentiment that resonates deeply with the values of UIII. The lecture provided valuable insights into the significance of nurturing mental health in educational settings, equipping educators and future researchers with the understanding necessary to support the mental well-being of students.