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The long-term adjustments have been challenging too. As a package, the traditional university experience was one teeming with physical and social interactions, whether through study groups, seminars or peer activities. Now, the shift from on-campus to virtual and hybrid learning environments has firmly disrupted that experience.

The implications are concerning. In a 2022 Student Minds survey in the United Kingdom, more than half (57%) of respondents self-reported a mental health issue.

As the pressure to meet deadlines and achieve grades contributes to increased stress, the consequences of mental health issues can also lead to poor academic performance, dropping out of university and even self-harm.

It is clear that more needs to be done to address the growing mental health crisis in universities, and ensure that students have access to the right support as soon as it is needed.

Tell-tale signs of ill health

Even pre-pandemic, mental health issues were plaguing higher education. Perhaps its unsurprising that only 12% of students think their university handles the issue of mental health well.

With the situation still ongoing, easier, timely access to effective mental health services has never been more important. Now, with the assistance of artificial intelligence and data intelligence, this is possible.

Location services, powered by network automation, can offer important student data and insights to pre-emptively flag when an individual might be experiencing mental distress.

With the help of AI-driven technology, universities can quickly identify withdrawn behaviour often a tell-tale sign of mental unwellness. If a student is spending most of their time confined to their accommodation, or continuously missing lessons, location services will pick it up. By leveraging this data, universities can then offer early intervention, whether from counsellors or mental health support teams.

Personalised responses

Very much a hot topic the world over, advanced AI is streaming its way into personal, social and enterprise-level activities. Higher education facilities should now be looking at their own digital transformation progress and assessing how AI can enhance their IT infrastructures for the benefit of their students. By using location services, universities can ensure the appropriate help is offered at a greater speed once a pattern of absence is identified.

At the same time, AI can personalise recommended resources and activities based on the interests and preferences of individual students.

It can also communicate in ways that the student is likely to respond to such as via chatbot, over email or a phone call. Bespoke services can be a more effective way for education facilities to improve student engagement and how well they respond to the support on offer.

Not only can AI spot when a student may be withdrawn, but it can also help students flourish by providing more flexible ways of working for different learning styles whether thats interactive, audio, visual or just more collaborative. Each of these, if effective, can reduce the stress of studying and improve learning opportunities and outcomes.

Data privacy

Of course, any technology service provided through the use of data can bring about privacy concerns. Thats why offering an opt-in approach should be the way forward. Students (and potentially their parents or carers) will have a clear choice of how they want their data to be used, and those that do opt in will not feel monitored during their university experience.

Parents or carers of students leaving for university will also have greater peace of mind knowing additional support and welfare oversight is offered. By embracing AI within their IT services, universities can enhance the level of support provided and students still have the freedom to accept or decline.

Clear and transparent communication from universities over how a students data will be used is also crucial to effectiveness. When students are aware that their data will be used to help them on their education journey rather than to penalise them theres a chance theyll be on board. At the same time, ensuring clear policies and safeguarding practices is crucial to protecting unauthorised access to sensitive information.

A proactive approach

The current mental health crisis sweeping the countrys higher education sector cannot be ignored or denied. Education facilities have a duty of care to ensure their students are given access to the support they need, both to handle the pressures of university and flourish in their studies. And with the intelligence of todays technology, it makes perfect sense to leverage it.

Location services through network automation can transform IT services for the better. Universities can not only identify, respond to and deal with issues as they arise, but they can foresee patterns in behaviour to prevent situations from developing and worsening.

While a proactive rather than reactive approach wont necessarily prevent mental health issues from surfacing this way, there are at least practices in place to help if or when theyre needed.

Jamie Pitchforth is head of UK strategic business at networking hardware company Juniper Networks.

Original post:

AI can help to flag students struggling with mental health - University World News