Wellness

Improving Teen Mental Health in Peru

UNICEF USA
UNICEF USA•May 8, 2026

Why It Matters

Addressing bullying and teen mental health directly improves educational attainment and reduces strain on health services, delivering long‑term socioeconomic benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • •UNICEF partnered with school to combat bullying and mental‑health crises
  • •Teachers and students launched workshops for parents, teachers, and peers
  • •Guardia de la Salud Mital provides early detection and timely intervention
  • •Student leader Manés reports gradual reduction of violent fan‑group behavior
  • •Improved mental health linked to better academic performance and wellbeing

Summary

The video spotlights a grassroots effort in Palpa, Peru, to improve adolescent mental health by tackling school bullying tied to local "barras bravas" fan groups.

Student leader Manés describes how teachers and peers, recognizing that bullying was driving students to health centers, partnered with UNICEF. UNICEF supplied curricula, training, and facilitated workshops for parents, teachers, and students, while the school introduced the "Guardia de la Salud Mital" program that combines prevention, early detection, and rapid intervention.

Manés notes the initiative was “very hard at first,” but sustained student commitment gradually reduced violent incidents. Participants report that a safer environment has already boosted engagement and learning outcomes.

The approach demonstrates that coordinated community‑school interventions can curb bullying, protect mental health, and enhance academic performance, offering a replicable model for other Peruvian districts and emerging economies.

Original Description

When deep-seated hostilities between fans of rival soccer teams caused bullying and mistreatment among students at a secondary school in Pucallpa, a city in eastern Peru, teachers and students came together to address mental health issues and prevent teen suicide.
"It got so serious that some students ended up going to health centers for help," says Manases, a fifth year student and head prefect. "The solution we found for teachers and students who wanted real change was to work with UNICEF."
That support included workshops for parents and teachers to help them better understand the pressures students face, and strategies for how to help.
UNICEF and partners are implementing the "Secondary Schools That Care for Their Health" program in North Lima and Ucayali schools and health centers, providing support and timely care for students at risk.
Help is available.
Speak with someone today.
In the U,S,. Call or Text 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Available 24/7.
Subscribe to UNICEF USA's YouTube Channel for the latest updates.
To learn more about UNICEF and UNICEF USA, visit: https://www.unicefusa.org
Read our stories about UNICEF in action: https://www.unicefusa.org/stories
Follow UNICEF USA here:

Comments

Want to join the conversation?

Loading comments...