A one-day forum to address various mental health issues among children and young adults was held at Kempinski Hotel Muscat on Saturday.

More than 200 students and parents took part in the forum that discussed three themes: Bullying, Can’t Stand a Mistake and Anger Management. The workshop was held for two groups of children aged 10 to 15 years and 15 to 18 years.

Experts from the UK and Kuwait along with Omani counterparts conducted the forum. Organised by the mental wellness clinic, Whispers of Serenity, it was the second edition of the mental health forum for those aged between 9 and 22 years and was titled ‘Young Minds’. Noora Salim al Akhzami, a psychologist, said, “We must understand that such issues need to be addressed at the earliest. And the good thing is that along with children, we are also providing a safe space to parents to express their opinions and concerns.”

Speaking about the initiative, H H Sayyida Basma al Said, founder of Whispers of Serenity Clinic, said, “The forum aims at enhancing knowledge and awareness among the youth on a variety of topics linked with child and adolescent health. We are also giving a major platform to these youngsters to express themselves and discuss issues related to their mental and physical health and safety at an informal and friendly platform.”

The forum included speeches, panel discussions, and workshops. The event was free to attend for children but parents had to buy a ticket worth RO25 to attend.