Professor Siobhan O'Neill and Professor Deirdre Heenan discuss the need for improved mental health promotion and screening in schools. They note that 1 in 5 young people self-harm to get relief from psychological pain. Early childhood experiences and stress levels can impact mental health and resilience. While early detection and intervention can change outcomes, current systems are fragmented and underfunded. They call for clear care pathways, school-based support services, anti-stigma campaigns, and increased investment to address this growing problem.