New school screening aims to tackle teen mental health crisis
A new school-based mental health screening initiative, developed by local health-tech startup Ajuda, is now offering teens a confidential and accessible way to flag emotional distress before it spirals into crisis.
'Teens need access to mental health screenings, just as much as physical ones,' says Dr Liza Street, paediatrician and co-founder of Ajuda. 'Early detection and support can change the trajectory of a young person's life.'
According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), suicide accounts for 9% of all teen deaths in the country, with the highest rates among girls aged 15 to 19.
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Ajuda's new screening tool is designed to be both anonymous and engaging, helping students speak up without fear.
'It's thoughtfully designed, not just black ink on white paper like a test. It folds up like Origami at the end,' says Street.
While students can choose to remain anonymous, they may also include their name if they want help. The completed assessments are scored independently by Ajuda's clinical team, and schools receive a summary of findings across grades. This approach allows for group-level interventions without singling out individuals.
'This gives schools insight they wouldn't otherwise have,' Street explains.
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In addition to screenings, Ajuda offers a free, anonymous helpline for learners seeking support, ensuring that help is accessible, even to those reluctant to come forward.
Ajuda chairperson Allan Sweidan, a clinical psychologist and founder of Akeso Hospital Group, says the programme is also about education and empowerment. 'What happens if your friend tells you they're suicidal? What must you do?' he asks. 'There's a big movement around youth mental health first aid.'
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Street emphasises that adolescence is a critical period for intervention. 'It's a phase where structural rewiring in the brain is still possible,' she says. 'If a teenager becomes depressed and doesn't get help, they're probably going to become a depressed adult.'
As mental health stigma slowly lifts, Ajuda hopes this initiative will become as routine as eye tests and dental checks in schools.
'If there's something we can identify now to help a young person grow into a healthier adult,' Street says, 'we should absolutely do it.'
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