Parents say teachers are serving as mental health and social support for children

New research released for National Thank a Teacher Day finds parents increasingly rely on teachers for emotional, social and practical support, not just academics. The findings suggest schools are playing a bigger role in children’s wellbeing as families look to educators for help spotting struggles and building resilience. Why it matters: - Parents are treating teachers as a key support system for children’s mental health, behaviour and life skills. - The findings show how the teacher’s role has expanded beyond classroom instruction, with implications for schools already facing pressure. - National Thank a Teacher Day is being used to spotlight that broader contribution. What happened: - New research released for National Thank a Teacher Day found teachers are taking on wider emotional and social support responsibilities. - Parents said teachers act as a Mentor (76%), Counsellor (61%), Carer (41%), Social worker (36%) and Psychologist (31%). - The Teaching Awards Trust said the research was intended to recognise and celebrate people working in education. The details: - 80% of parents said teachers do more than teach academic subjects. - 65% said a teacher had supported them or their child in an unexpected way. - 36% said a teacher had alerted them to emotional or mental health struggles affecting their child. - 60% credited teachers with supporting behaviour and discipline challenges. - 56% said teachers support pupils’ mental wellbeing. - 30% said teachers provide practical help to younger children with self-care skills such as teeth brushing and toilet training. - Parents ranked teachers third overall for influence on children, behind friends (61%) and family members (48%), and ahead of social media (37%). - The Teaching Awards Trust commissioned Censuswide to survey 2,000 parents aged 20 and over of school-age children aged 5 to 16. - Censuswide collected the data between 5 May and 7 May 2026. Between the lines: - The research points to a widening gap between what families need from schools and what schools are traditionally expected to provide. - Mary Palmer, chief executive officer at The Teaching Awards Trust, said teachers are often the trusted adults families turn to when children are struggling. - Palmer also said the research highlights the contribution teachers make every day as schools face growing pressures and learning becomes more complex with new technologies. What’s next: - The Teaching Awards Trust is encouraging people to take part in National Thank a Teacher Day and show support for teachers. - The charity will continue using its Thank A Teacher campaign, Pearson National Teaching Awards and Education Insights events to promote the profession. - More information is available through the charity’s Thank A Teacher campaign , Pearson National Teaching Awards and Education Insights events . The bottom line: - Teachers are being asked to do far more than teach, and many parents now see them as essential partners in children’s wellbeing and development.