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Mental Health and Schools:
Background Information - Summary

The school should be a place of belonging that helps children to develop and maintain their emotional and psychological well-being. Children start school at varying stages of cognitive, social and emotional readiness. Educators, in cooperation with parents, health professionals and the community can play a significant role in teaching the knowledge and skills necessary for good mental health, in providing a safe, supportive environment with healthy role models and in connecting to services and programs in the community.

 Schools have more influence on the lives of children and youth than any other social institution except the family. Canada’s schools form the “workplace” of 20% of our population, including five

million students and over 400,000 employees. Another 30% of the population, parents, have a direct stake in schools through their children.

 A child’s mental health is a primary factor in learning. When children feel worthy and secure, when they feel welcome and supported by others and when they are able to cope with life’s problems and their emotions, they are better able to succeed. They feel confident, competent and connected to others. They have learned effective problem-solving and coping skills. They have a sense of hope and see challenges as opportunities. Developing this type of supportive and stable environment that encourages the development of good mental health is even more crucial for students with mental health disabilities or disorders

 Young people are more vulnerable at key transition points in their lives. The beginning of school is their first test in developing independence and self-determination. Puberty brings other challenges. Life events such as family breakups, loss of a loved one or even starting at a new school can create depression or harmful distress. It is equally important to celebrate individual and group achievements and triumphs that can lead to positive mental health.

 Schools can be structured to empower students Parents can be involved in their child’s learning and in the activities of the school. Supporting students as they develop and use coping and decision-making skills as they work their way through key life problems and triumphs can enhance their personal confidence and help them to form healthy relationships. Schools can also facilitate student and family access to mental health services and family programs.

 This section of our web site provides summaries and links to a variety of web-based resources to promote mental health through schools. Look below for key general resources and look to the margins for many, may excellent resources.

	Talking About Mental Illness: Teacher's Resource (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
	Canadian Journal of School Psychology
	Mental Health and High School (Canadian Mental Health Association)
	A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada (Health Canada)
	National Association of School Psychologists
	Comprehensive Approaches & Mental Health in Schools (UCLA)
	Mental Health of Children and Youth and the Role of Public Health Professionals (UCLA)
	Integrating Mental Health in Schools: Schools, School-Based Centers, and Community Programs Working Together Mental Health of Children and Youth and the Role of Public Health Professionals (UCLA)
	Expanding Policy Leadership for Mental Health in Schools (UCLA)
	Mental Health and School-Based Health Centers (UCLA)
	School Interventions to Prevent Youth Suicide (UCLA)
	Technical Assistance Sampler (UCLA)
	Understanding and Minimizing Staff Burnout (UCLA)
	About Mental Health in Schools (UCLA)
	UCLA School Mental Health Project (UCLA)
	The Critical Role of School Culture in Student Success (Voices for Children)
	CPA Clinical Guidelines and Position Papers (Canadian Psychiatric Association)
	A Call for Action (Canadian Psychiatric Association)
	Canadian Psychiatric Association
	Attention Problems: Intervention and Resources (UCLA)
	Addressing Barriers to Learning: A Set of Surveys to Map What a School Has and What It Needs (UCLA)
	School-Based Health Centers (UCLA)

These pages have been prepared with funding provided by the
Population Health Fund of Health Canada

Administered by: Shannon & McCall Consulting Ltd.