Bridging the Gap: Legal Mandates and Policy Implementation for Mental Health in Higher Education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29070/dgffrk78Keywords:
Higher education, digital mental health, student mental health, higher education institutions in India, mental health technologiesAbstract
Mental health concerns among students in higher education have emerged as a significant global challenge, affecting academic performance, social well-being, and long-term life outcomes. While many countries have established legal frameworks and institutional policies to address these concerns, a gap persists between legal mandates and their practical implementation. This paper examines the effectiveness of existing legal provisions and policy measures governing mental health support in higher education institutions. It analyzes challenges in implementation, identifies systemic barriers, and proposes actionable recommendations to strengthen mental health governance and service delivery within universities. We consider the benefits and difficulties of integrating digital mental health interventions in Indian higher education and suggest institutional and governmental strategies. Data governance, safety, transparency, the positioning of digital initiatives in relation to in-person care, safeguards for content quality, the availability of interventions at different intensities, and suggestions for policy, governmental support, and research to maximize the use of technology for student mental health in Indian higher education institutions are important factors to take into account.
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