THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development called for the implementation of stronger mental health programs for children.

The agency emphasized children’s mental health and overall well-being should be prioritized.

“It calls for public support to prioritize the availability of necessary interventions to support the mental health and overall well-being of children amid the pandemic,” DSWD said in a statement as the nation observes the 30th National Children’s Month.

The National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline report, which the DSWD quoted, revealed that suicide-related calls accounted for 9.7 percent of all calls received.

Meanwhile, DSWD said NCM activities would focus on providing mental health support for children.

“The NCM activities for the whole month of November this year will focus on providing mental health support services for children in line with their rights to survival, development, protection, and participation,” DSWD said.