Psychology in the Classroom

...with Dr Julia Badger In this episode of #Psychologyintheclassroom bullying expert Dr Julia Badger, from Oxford University discusses her conference talk, “Peer Power: Understanding and Changing Bullying Dynamics in Mainstream and Specialist Special Schools.” Bullying is a public health priority.  As teachers we need to know about bullying involvement and its impact. In this conversation Julia explores the challenges of defining bullying, introduces the concept of “counter connecting,” and highlights the unique experiences of children with SEND. She shares evidence-based strategies, including the KIVA program and its SEND adaptation, emphasizing whole-school approaches and community involvement.  * Definition and complexity of bullying in educational settings. * Proposal of a new inclusive definition of bullying, particularly for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). * Introduction of the concept of "counter connecting" and its implications in bullying dynamics. * Differences in bullying experiences between mainstream and special schools. * The disproportionate impact of bullying on children with SEND. * Variations in bullying types (verbal, physical, relational, cyberbullying) across different school environments. * The psychological and emotional effects of bullying on victims, perpetrators, and bully-victims. * Importance of whole-school anti-bullying programs and community involvement. * Evidence-based interventions for bullying prevention, such as the KIVA program. * The need for clear policies and shared understanding of bullying among educators, parents, and students.   Links: Dr Julia Badger: https://www.education.ox.ac.uk/person/julia-badger/ [https://www.education.ox.ac.uk/person/julia-badger/] KIVA: https://www.kivaprogram.net/ [https://www.kivaprogram.net/] WISDOM Network: https://wisdom.mhid.org.uk/ [https://wisdom.mhid.org.uk/] Podcast with Lucy Bowes: https://changingstatesofmind.libsyn.com/bullying-its-everybodys-problem [https://changingstatesofmind.libsyn.com/bullying-its-everybodys-problem] Podcast with Chris Tayloe: https://changingstatesofmind.libsyn.com/constructive-deviance-with-chris-taylor [https://changingstatesofmind.libsyn.com/constructive-deviance-with-chris-taylor]

...with Prof. Neil Humphrey In this episode Professor Neil Humphrey from the University of Manchester, discusses trends in youth mental health, the rise in internalising issues like anxiety, and the impact of societal changes such as sleep hygiene and service cuts. He critiques current research methods, advocates for evidence-based, cost-effective school interventions, and emphasizes the importance of promoting well-being through arts, physical activity, and sleep. The episode offers practical insights for teachers and highlights the need for nuanced, whole-community approaches. Key points: Current state of child and adolescent mental health * Decline in young people's mental health over the past 30 years * Distinction between internalising (anxiety, depression) and externalising (behavioural issues) problems * Societal factors influencing mental health, including sleep hygiene and funding cuts to services * Critique of current mental health measurement tools and the need for updated assessments * Discussion on the effectiveness of universal mental health interventions in schools * Importance of promoting overall well-being and positive mental health, not just addressing difficulties * Role of creative arts and physical activity in enhancing mental health * Need for evidence-based approaches in school mental health support * Challenges faced by teachers in addressing mental health within the educational system   Useful links: Prof Neil Humphrey:https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/neil.humphrey Education for Wellbeing In conjunction with Anna Freud: https://www.annafreud.org/research/current-research-projects/education-for-wellbeing/ [https://www.annafreud.org/research/current-research-projects/education-for-wellbeing/] Youth Futures Foundation: Understanding Drivers of recent trends in young people’s mental health:  https://youthfuturesfoundation.org/publication/report-understanding-drivers-of-recent-trends-in-young-peoples-mental-health/ [https://youthfuturesfoundation.org/publication/report-understanding-drivers-of-recent-trends-in-young-peoples-mental-health/] Podcast with Prof Jess Deighton: https://changingstatesofmind.libsyn.com/navigating-mental-health-issues-in-schools-strategies-for-teachers-and-students-with-prof-jess-deighton

In this episode Lucy Keller, a PhD researcher in psychology, discusses her work on improving friendship and social connectedness among young people during the critical transition from primary to secondary school. Lucy shares insights on the impact of social connectedness on mental health, In addition she touches on the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent and gender-questioning students. She advocates for inclusive school environments, student-led clubs,  and systemic education reform. Lucy highlights the importance of extracurricular activities amongst other practical tips and resources for supporting students are discussed.  Useful Links: World Health Organisation on social connection: https://www.who.int/groups/commission-on-social-connection [https://www.who.int/groups/commission-on-social-connection] NSPCC building Connections website: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/services/building-connections [https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/services/building-connections] Red Cross Social Connection: https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/connected-communities [https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/connected-communities] In summary: * Research on improving friendship experiences and social connectedness among young people. * The significance of social connectedness and its impact on mental health. * Challenges faced by young people during the transition from primary to secondary school. * The emotional and social complexities of moving to a larger school environment. * The importance of maintaining friendships during school transitions. * Practical strategies for schools to support students, including listening to their perspectives. * The specific difficulties faced by neurodivergent students during this transition. * The role of extracurricular activities in fostering social connections. * The need for systemic changes in the education system to better support young people's social and emotional needs. * Resources and support systems available for young people struggling with social connections.

In this episode, Professor Jess Deighton, a leading children’s mental health expert, discusses the growing mental health challenges facing young people today and what this means for educators and schools. We dive into how student mental health impacts learning outcomes, the unique challenges teachers encounter in the classroom, and the critical importance of adopting a whole-school approach to wellbeing. Jess offers evidence-based insights on effective mental health strategies for schools, highlighting what truly works (and what doesn’t) when supporting students. We discuss the power of fostering a sense of belonging, practical ways to build student resilience, and how teachers can support mental health without needing to be experts themselves. Jess also give actionable tips and resources for promoting wellbeing in your school community, and why supporting student mental health is a shared responsibility for everyone in education. This episode is for anyone passionate about making a positive impact on student wellbeing and academic success.  Further resources mentioned: Jess Deighton: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-sciences/research/research-strengths/mental-health/meet-professor-jessica-deighton [https://www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-sciences/research/research-strengths/mental-health/meet-professor-jessica-deighton] Anna Freud Mentally Healthy Schools Website: https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/ [https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/] Youth Futures Foundation Report: https://youthfuturesfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Understanding-drivers-of-recent-trends-in-young-peoples-mental-health-July-2025-final.pdf [https://youthfuturesfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Understanding-drivers-of-recent-trends-in-young-peoples-mental-health-July-2025-final.pdf] UCL Research into breaktimes: https://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/sites/default/files/files/Baines%2042402%20BreaktimeSurvey%20-%20Main%20public%20report%20(May19)-Final(1).pdf [https://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/sites/default/files/files/Baines%2042402%20BreaktimeSurvey%20-%20Main%20public%20report%20(May19)-Final(1).pdf] Growing up in the 2020s: https://growingup2020s.ipsos.com/#:~:text=our%20contact%20details.-,The%20Study,London%20(UCL)%20and%20Ipsos [https://growingup2020s.ipsos.com/#:~:text=our%20contact%20details.-,The%20Study,London%20(UCL)%20and%20Ipsos]. Listen to the mini-series on the Myriad Trial: https://changingstatesofmind.com/mindfulness-miniseries-1 [https://changingstatesofmind.com/mindfulness-miniseries-1]

In this episode, Dr Andrew Holliman, Associate Professor at UCL’s Institute of Education and chair of the BPS's Psychology of Education Section discusses the upcoming annual conference focused on psychological well-being in education, highlighting its inclusive, supportive atmosphere for teachers, researchers, and students. Andy shares insights on how psychology informs teaching, learning, and motivation, and emphasizes the importance of teacher and student well-being. Practical advice for engaging with psychological research and self-care is offered, along with conference details. The episode concludes with encouragement for educators to prioritize self-compassion and mental health. To find out more about the conference please use this link: https://www.bps.org.uk/event/psychology-education-section-annual-conference-2025 [https://www.bps.org.uk/event/psychology-education-section-annual-conference-2025]