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Schools

Mental Health Promotion

Promoting Positive Mental Health in Schools

Given the link between emotional well-being and academic achievement, schools play an important role in promoting positive mental health. Educators can work to promote positive mental health within the school by providing education to students that works towards increasing protective factors, decreasing risk factors, increasing resiliency and decreasing inequities. 

Concerned about a student’s mental health? Find out where to get help. 

Whole School Approaches 

A healthy school includes activities that promote positive mental health for all students.

Mental health promotion helps to lay a solid foundation for creating supportive learning environments. We work collaboratively with local school boards, Mental Health Leaders, schools and school communities to support planning and implementation of policies, programs and services to promote student mental health and well-being.

External Links:

Ministry of Education’s PPM 169: Student Mental Health

To promote positive mental health at school, consider the following activities as part of your health and well-being action plan:

Build Mental Health Literacy:

  • Enroll in MH LIT – Mental Health In Action: a mental health literacy course for educators (English / French).
  • Become familiar with information and resources through School Mental Health Ontario (English / French).
  • Raise awareness about mental health to help build mental health literacy among students, staff and parents/families and to reduce stigma.

Promote a Mentally Healthy School and Classroom Environment:

  • Adopt a strengths-based approach to build student assets and protective factors.
  • Integrate a variety of tier 1 / whole school activities into your plan to welcome, include, understand, promote and partner towards positive mental health. For ideas, visit School Mental Health Ontario (English / French).
  • Integrate activities to promote other public health topics such as physical activity, food and nutrition, sleep, social media and screen time, etc. that can have an impact on mental health.

Engage in Local Partnerships:

  • Invite community partners to help create and implement your mental health and well-being action plan, and/or to participate as a member of your Healthy Schools or well-being committee.
  • Connect with mental health service providers to learn about the supports available in your local community. Become familiar with the roles/responsibilities of different organizations in promotion, prevention and intervention.

Help Students and Families Access Care:

  • Know about the mental health pathways and supports available through your school board, school and school community.
  • Make information readily available to raise awareness about local supports and to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.
  • Create a safe space (e.g. school office, library, guidance department) where students and families know they can go if they need help accessing information or support. 

Educator and Classroom Resources

Educators play a key role in promoting positive mental health for all students through daily classroom practices and integrating learning about mental health concepts across a variety of curriculum strands and expectations.

  • Supporting Minds: An Educator’s Guide to Promoting Students’ Mental Health and Well-being (English / French).
  • School Mental Health Ontario: Decision Support Tool for Classroom Teachers checklist (English / French).
  • School Mental Health Ontario – Grades 9 – 12.
  • Ophea: Health & Physical Education Secondary Resources (English/French).
  • Mental Health Literacy: Mental Health & High School Curriculum Guide (English/French) – Grades 9 -10. Lesson plans, activities and resources. 
  • Kindness In the Classroom – Grades 9 - 12.  Free lesson plans, parent resources and school wide activities.

Health Unit Programs and Services 

Developmental Assets ® and Developmental Relationships ® - public health nurses support schools to learn about and implement these frameworks from the Search Institute. 

Kids Have Stress Too! ® – public health nurses are available to consult with educators and support co-facilitation of these Strong Minds, Strong Kids: Psychology Canada programs. Parent education sessions are also available to complement in class learning.

Stress Lessons and Stress Lessons: Tools for Resilience – public health nurses are available to consult with educators and support co-facilitation of these Strong Minds, Strong Kids: Psychology Canada programs.  Parent education sessions are also available to complement in class learning.

The PALS program (available in English and French) is an elementary school, student leadership program. It provides opportunities to help foster a sense of belonging and inclusion among students, while engaging them in physical activity in the school yard. The program motto is “There’s always room for one more.”

Public health nurses facilitate training for school staff or volunteers to facilitate the PALS program. The trained facilitators then engage junior and intermediate students to become playground activity leaders for younger students.

For Students, Parents and Families

There are many ways for students to engage in mental health promotion, such as:

  • Student-led initiatives to raise awareness about mental health, increase mental health literacy, and promote a positive school climate.
  • Organize whole-school activities such as ‘Pink Shirt Day’, ‘Mental Health Week’ activities.
  • Create positive messages, posters and/or artwork related to mental health to display in the school. 
  • Offer a variety of peer-leadership opportunities and student clubs, such as social justice clubs, photo-voice, gay-straight student alliances, and more. 
  • Encourage peer mentoring programs such as Link Crew or Strong Minds Strong Kids Peer Mentor Training.
  • Involve students in designating a quiet place to practice stress management techniques (e.g. build a peace garden, relaxation room or student lounge).

Resources to share with students include:

  • Mind Your Mind – works with community partners and young people aged 14 to 29 to co-create interactive tools and resources to build capacity and resilience. through engagement, best practice and technology. Mind Your Mind empowers youth to reach out, get help and give help.
  • Y-Mind Teen – A free, virtual 7-week mental wellness program for teens ages 1318, who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or stress. Led by local Social Workers to help youthlearn and practice evidence-based strategies to help manage anxiety and increase coping.
  • School Mental Health Ontario (English/French) – Provides student leadership opportunities, resources to help understand and support mental health, and how to help a friend.

Concerned about a student’s mental health? Find out where to get help.

There are many ways for parents, caregivers, and families to engage in mental health promotion, such as:

  • Work with your School or Parent Council to engage school staff, parents/families and other members of your local school community in activities to promote mental health and well-being for all.
  • Share information and updates with families about the school’s mental health and well-being goals, activities, and opportunities to get involved.
  • Host a parent/family event for students to share about what they are learning in the classroom.
  • Offer parents and caregiver presentations. We have partnered with Strong Minds, Strong Kids: Psychology Canada to offer presentations based on programs such as Kids Have Stress Too! and Stress Lessons.

Resources to share with parents/families include:

  • Information about your local school board and/or school mental health pathways and supports available.
  • School Mental Health Ontario: Parents and Caregivers (English / French).
  • Mental Health Literacy – Information and resources for parents / caregivers.
  • Search Institute – information and resources to help empower children and youth through building assets and meaningful relationships.

Concerned about a student’s mental health? Find out where to get help.

Choose from the sample newsletter inserts below to share key messages with parents/families of elementary school students:

Your Child’s Stress Behaviours 

Many challenging behaviours, like arguing and tantrums, are actually a sign of too much stress. When your child “misbehaves”, ask “why?” and “why now?” Look for stressors that may be causing the behaviour. Too much screen time, not enough physical activity, and lack of sleep are “hidden stressors” for some kids.

Stress relieving ideas:

  • Create spaces where your child can go to feel calm and relaxed, when needed.
  • Encourage outdoor play every day.
  • Spend time with your child, being attentive, calm, and affectionate. 
  • Come together for mealtimes to socialize and build healthy eating habits.

For more tips visit School Mental Health Ontario (https://smho-smso.ca/).

Or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.

Parent Self Care

As parents and caregivers, it is important that we take time to check in with ourselves.
When you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take time for yourself, even if it is just a few minutes. Working through your own feelings will make it easier for you to support and reassure your child.

Self-care does not need to be complicated. Take a few minutes to do something you enjoy, connect with a friend, or move your body. It is not selfish – it is self-preservation!

For more information, call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.

Is Homework Stressing You Out?

Throughout the year, your child may have homework or need to spend time studying at home. You can help make homework time less stressful. First, let your child relax with a healthy snack when they get home from school. Ask if they have homework, what kind, and how long they think it will take to finish. It’s a good idea to set a regular time each day and decide on a specific place to do homework. Your child might need help for a couple minutes to get started.

Remember, it’s not your job to do their homework! Ask questions to help your child learn to solve problems on their own. Show interest and provide encouragement while they are working. Focus on the things they do well to help them stay motivated and be successful. If problems persist discuss them with your child’s teacher.

Looking for more parenting support? Visit https://smho-smso.ca/ or speak with a public health nurse by calling 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.

Is Bedtime Stressing You Out?

Kids need 10-12 hours of sleep every night but sometimes getting them to bed can be frustrating. You can help create a regular sleep schedule for your child by setting a clear bedtime and sticking to the same time every night. Start getting ready an hour before bed; turn off the TV, computers and phones. Spend quality time talking or reading stories to help them unwind. Agree on how many you’ll read before you start! Keep their room dark, cool and quiet - a nightlight is fine. Remember, making sure your child gets enough rest will help improve their mood, behaviour and ability to learn.

For more bedtime tips, contact Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 to speak with a public health nurse or visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org. 

Creating Safe and Healthy Schools

A Healthy School supports children to reach their full health and learning potential. There are many ways for you to get involved in creating a safe and healthy school for your child. Here are some ideas:

  • Talk with your child about what they are learning at school, and find ways to role-model or reinforce the health messages at home
  • Stay informed about your child’s school through the school website and social media platforms. 
  • Get to know your child’s friends, other parents, and staff from the school and communicate often
  • Volunteer to participate on a committee that helps organize healthy activities for the school community. Contact your child’s school or your local public health unit to get started. 

Looking for more parenting support? Speak with a public health nurse by calling 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.

Choose from the sample newsletter inserts below to share key messages with parents/families of secondary school students:

Coping with Stress and Anxiety

Feeling stressed and having anxiety can be common among teens. Some teens experience stress and/or become anxious or fearful about something for a day or two and are able to return to normal without any need for help from their parents. However, some teens experience more intense and frequent symptoms and feelings that prevent them from participating in normal everyday life. Creating a positive family environment, encouraging regular school attendance and helping your teen understand and discover ways to cope can help.

If you would like to learn more about understanding your teenager’s emotions and behaviours, ways to talk openly with your teenager and encouraging your teenager to practice their coping skills, call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 and talk to a public health nurse.

Online parenting resources are also available:

School Mental Health Ontario (https://smho-smso.ca/)

Strong Minds Strong Kids (https://strongmindsstrongkids.org/)

Parent Self Care
As parents and caregivers, it is important that we take time to check in with ourselves.
When you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take time for yourself, even if it is just a few minutes. Working through your own feelings will make it easier for you to support and reassure your child.

Self-care does not need to be complicated. Take a few minutes to do something you enjoy, connect with a friend, or move your body. It is not selfish – it is self-preservation!

For more information, call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.

Support Is Available

Parenting can be rewarding, but also challenging. You know your teen best. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help and support your loved one to access the services they need!

  • School counselors/social workers: confidential support for academic, social and emotional concerns.
  • Mental health resources: School Mental Health Ontario, Where to get help
  • Community resources: 211 Ontario connects to social services, programs and community support

Looking for more support, visit SMDHU Mental Health page or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 to speak with a public health nurse.

Remember, you are not alone!

Building Their Resilience

You can help your teen become stronger and more resilient. Resilience is the ability to bounce back. By spending more time with your teen, you will help them build lifelong skills to cope with today’s challenges. Ways to connect with your teen:

  • Show that you care by listening,
  • Set boundaries and expectations,
  • Encourage your teen to be involved at school and in the community
  • Help with problem solving
  • Encourage asking for help

Together, we can prepare and empower our teens to have a bright future!

For more information about the strengths teens need to succeed visit the Search Institute.

If you have any questions call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 to speak with a public health nurse.

Creating a strong relationship with your teen

When life gets busy, look for ways to consistently connect with your teen:

  1. Express care: enjoy their company and show you care about what’s important to them.
  2. Challenge growth: encourage them to see their own potential and support them to do hard things.
  3. Provide support: guide and encourage to complete tasks and achieve goals.
  4. Share power: value their ideas and work together to solve problems.
  5. Expand possibilities: explore learning opportunities for them to grow.

One of the most impactful things you can do as a parent is to be present. Strong connections will lead to better school performance, stronger empathy, and lifelong skills including resilience for life’s difficulties.

Visit the Search Institute for more parenting support. Speak with a public health nurse by calling 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.

For More information

For more information, call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or email [email protected].
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