Engagement time : a national study of students with social, emotional and behaviour difficulties in Maltese schools

Abstract

In recent years social, emotional and behaviour difficulties in school have become a major challenge confronting not only the educational system but Maltese society as a whole. Many have been asking questions about the nature, distribution, causes and management of such difficulties. What is the extent of this problem for Maltese schools when compared to schools in other countries? Is it more prevalent in some schools and regions than others? Is modern Maltese society becoming more permissive and laissez-faire, with children having too many rights but very few responsibilities? Are schools and teachers being unjustly blamed for children's and families' difficulties? Are children reacting to the stresses imposed upon them by an overloaded academic curriculum and an examination oriented system? Are young persons rebelling against a rigid and unjust educational system? What can help us to understand and address this national issue more effectively? This national study which is based on 10% of the whole school population in Malta, seeks to provide answers to these and other questions on social, emotional and behaviour difficulties in Maltese schools. It provides suggestions on how schools may respond more effectively to this challenge, recommending reviews of systems, policies and practices which will help to prevent the development of these difficulties in children and young persons and promote their social and emotional health. Besides its local contribution, this book has also international significance, having one of the largest and most representative data sets of its kind in international research since the Isle of Wight study in the 1960s.