Maseru __ As cases of anxiety, stress and behavioural challenges continue to rise among young people, experts are calling for greater national focus on children’s mental well-being, noting that stronger psychosocial support is essential for Lesotho to fulfil its child-protection policies and meet its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This was highlighted at a breakfast meeting hosted by the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI) Lesotho on the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, held in Maseru on Tuesday.

In her remarks, REPSSI Lesotho Country Representative, Ms. Palesa Pampiri, said improving mental health services in homes, schools and communities is vital for strengthening learning outcomes and safeguarding children from long-term harm.

She added that this aligns with Lesotho’s national commitments under the National Child Protection Policy, the Education Sector Strategic Plan, and SDG targets particularly SDG 3 calling for Good Health and Well-being and SDG 16 calling for Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions which call for the protection of children from violence and the provision of mental health support.

She explained that the meeting aims to deepen understanding of how exposure to sexual abuse, violence and social pressures affects children’s psychological development, while also identifying ways to strengthen early-intervention services an area identified as a priority in several national child-protection frameworks.

On behalf of Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) Senior Inspector Teke Petje noted that communities still lack adequate mental health education for children.

He emphasised the need to improve awareness as a key step toward fulfilling national prevention strategies and SDG efforts to end all forms of violence against children.

Meanwhile, Mrs. 'Malineo Mots'epe as a representative of the community highlighted child-parent communication as a foundation of protection.

She said when parents create open and trusting environments, children are more willing to report abuse, seek help early and avoid long-term psychological harm which is an approach that supports Lesotho’s commitments to child-friendly justice and well-being under both national and global frameworks.

A representative from the Judiciary Magistrate Mrs. 'Maleoatle Hlabana stressed the need for skills development among officers who provide mental health support to victims, saying this would strengthen justice-sector responsiveness outlined in national reforms and SDG 16.

From the Ministry of Education and Training, Mr. Osiah Kokosi underscored the importance of identifying root causes of mental health challenges in children.

He added that strong partnerships between parents and teachers are vital for improving emotional support in schools which remain a key objective of the Ministry’s education policies and SDG 4 which advocates for Quality Education, which promotes safe and supportive learning environments.

Meanwhile, Reverend ’Malijo Baji, representing faith-based organisations, said community dialogues remain an essential platform for educating communities on issues affecting them, including mental health, child protection and the fight against sexual exploitation.