From silence to sharing: The power of peer support

“We will, we will rock you!” (Stomp stomp, clap, stomp stomp, clap)

The lively rhythm echoes through the boys' dormitory at Zhangqiu No. 4 Middle School. Sixteen-year-old Hongfei sits on his bed, tapping out the beat with his hands and feet while softly humming the tune. Beside him, his classmate Zhenyu sings with enthusiasm. Whenever Zhenyu forgets the lyrics, the two exchange knowing glances and burst into laughter. Their joy fills the room, breaking the monotonous routine of school life and brightening the quiet evening.

Yet, just a few months ago, Zhenyu had been in a very different place. Overwhelmed by academic pressure, he had felt trapped and isolated, and unable to share his struggles.

"My grades weren’t great, and I ranked near the bottom of the class," Zhenyu reflects. "I was disappointed and anxious. The constant memorizing made me tired and frustrated. I didn’t want to interact with anyone and found life irritating," he says. "I wished for a friend who could notice my struggles and talk to me about what I was going through."

That friend turns out to be Hongfei, who reached out when Zhenyu needed it most.

"Hongfei approached me, helped me out of that low point, and made it possible for me to enjoy school life again," Zhenyu shares with a smile. "I was worried that Zhenyu wouldn’t be able to get through it, so I decided to give him a hand," Hongfei says.

Hongfei is one of over 500 students nationwide trained to be a class peer supporter. He was driven by a strong sense of motivation. "My classmates didn’t speak about their worries. It's actually due to a sense of insecurity and lack of trust. They really needed a way to express the issues they had inside,” he explains. “I volunteered to be a peer supporter and was fortunate to receive training during my second semester of first year of high school. The skills I gained helped me support my classmates better.”

"When my classmates share their troubles, I listen quietly and respond positively. I also use body language to show warmth and help them feel supported," Hongfei explains. "If the problem is beyond what I can handle, with their consent, I’ll talk to a teacher or counsellor to ensure they get professional help."

Hongfei’s mental health teacher, Ma Qian, has witnessed the programme’s impact firsthand. “What makes me happy is that when students hear about the role of peer supporters, they become aware that they can seek help,” she says.

UNICEF’s response

Globally, one in seven adolescents aged 10 to 19 are living with a mental disorder. Children in China face a similar situation.

UNICEF, the National Health Commission and the China Youth League are working to address this through the Adolescent Mental Health and Development Programme. This programme, spanning 10 provinces in China, will introduce a mental health service package and a peer support toolkit to over 300 schools, and will benefit estimated 100,000 students.

The adolescent mental health peer support toolkit empowers students to design and lead school-based awareness activities. It also equips them to support their peers. So far, more than 500 students from over 30 schools have been trained as peer supporters by UNICEF and the National Center for Mental Health, China.

"Peer support plays a positive role in promoting the mental health of adolescents," says Jiang Wen, Deputy Director-General of the National Center for Mental Health, China. "We particularly aim to build a multi-sectoral collaboration mechanism to develop a mental health service model for adolescents that connects youth organizations, schools, and healthcare institutions."

"When adolescents experience mental health issues, they are more willing to talk to their peers than to adults," explains Li Nan, UNICEF China’s Adolescent Development Officer. "According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, every young person has the right to participate. Through initiatives like peer support, we hope that peer supporters will learn how to look, listen and link cases. This way, we can create a better school environment and reduce stigma around mental health."

In 2021, UNICEF China launched the ‘Stronger Mind, Stronger You’ campaign to encourage open conversations about mental health, and to combat stigma and discrimination. Building on this effort, the 2024 World Children’s Day – UNICEF’s flagship day of action for children, by children – focused on children’s and adolescents’ mental health. This year’s events and campaign are raising public awareness about mental health and listening to children’s voices about the challenges they face, as well as their ideas about solutions in their schools.

A little kindness goes a long way

Hongfei’s support for Zhenyu goes beyond dormitory singalongs. The two are often seen sketching together, teasing each other, or simply laughing during class breaks. "I spent time with him doing things he likes, just being his steadfast support,” Hongfei says. "I always wanted to tell him, ‘You’ve got a mate who’s always got your back, so there’s nothing to be afraid of.’"

Zhenyu is now in a much better place. "I’m more optimistic now. I can take my studies step by step and make progress bit by bit," he says. "I’m thankful to Hongfei. Without his help, I might have been in a poor mental state for longer."

“My classmates now know that mental health issues should be addressed as early as possible,” Hongfei adds. “When I help others, I also feel some relief in my own mind. The rose’s scent lingers in the hand that gives it,” he says with a smile.