[Class teacher as promoter and predictor of a child's mental health]

School plays a significant role in children's mental health care. Teacher's assessment is predictive of the child's subsequent mental health. Although it is difficult for both teachers and parents to recognize especially depression in a child, observations made by adults will complement the information received from the child. On the other hand, teachers may not necessarily be capable of acting when they observe symptoms in a child. Teachers' knowledge of mental health should be increased and clear-cut instructions provided for them by health care professionals. Teachers' assessments of children's mental health should be utilized to a greater extent than presently.