I believe teachers can provide basic emotional support to students, but more serious situations should be handled by trained professionals. Teachers are often the first people students turn to, so it is important for them to respond in a supportive and respectful way.

However, there are some risks. If teachers are not properly trained, they may misunderstand students’ needs or give the wrong kind of support. This could lead to more stress for both the student and the teacher. It is also important to respect boundaries and not take on responsibilities that require specialist knowledge.

In my context, schools may provide limited support, but it is not always structured. To improve this, schools would need proper training for teachers, clear guidelines, and access to professional counsellors. Teachers should be able to listen carefully, understand students’ feelings, notice their behavior, ask helpful questions, and guide them to reflect on their own thoughts, while also knowing when to refer them to experts.