Universities Face Scrutiny Over Student Mental Health and Communication
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Universities Face Scrutiny Over Student Mental Health and Communication
- A recent report indicates that 107 suspected student suicide deaths and 62 incidents of non-fatal self-harm were reported by universities during the 2023-2024 academic year.
- In May 2024, Henry Shields, a 23-year-old Lancaster University student, was found deceased after not attending his final exams, prompting his family to criticize the university's communication protocols.
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The issue of student mental health and university responsibility for student welfare has garnered significant attention following the death of Henry Shields, a 23-year-old chemistry student at Lancaster University, in May 2024. Shields was found in Williamson Park in Lancaster after he failed to appear for his final exams. His father, Chris Shields, expressed distress that the university did not inform the family of his son’s absence from exams.
Universities in the UK have a complex role regarding student welfare. While they have pastoral responsibilities, they are generally not considered “in loco parentis” for adult students. However, many universities do have policies for responding to missing students, which often involve investigating absences and, if necessary, contacting next of kin or the police. Data protection rules can limit the information universities can share with external parties, but disclosures are permitted when there are reasonable grounds to believe it’s necessary for a student’s safety.
Student mental health is a growing concern across UK higher education institutions. The proportion of students disclosing a mental health condition to their university increased from under 1% in 2010/11 to 5.8% in 2022/23. Surveys suggest that a much higher percentage of students experience mental health issues, with one 2022 survey finding 57% of respondents self-reported a mental health issue. In the academic year 2023-2024, universities reported 107 suspected student suicide deaths. Universities UK, in partnership with charities like PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide and Samaritans, has published guidance for universities on responding to student suicides. Many universities also offer in-house counseling services and mental health advisers to support students.