Ontario Introduces New Mental Health Curriculum for High School Students

On Monday, the Ontario government made a significant announcement by unveiling a new mental health-focused curriculum for high school students, which will also include new learning materials for Grade 7 and 8 classrooms. Additionally, the Grade 10 careers curriculum will have a mental health literacy component added to it. The curriculum will teach students how to manage stress, recognize mental health concerns, reduce stigmas, and learn how to seek help.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce highlighted the importance of empowering children with the tools and confidence to succeed in the classroom and beyond while emphasizing that they are never alone. The changes will take place in September for Grade 7 and 8 classrooms, while high school curriculum transition will occur in the fall of 2024.

The move came after a survey conducted by People for Education (PFE), a non-profit organization, revealed that around 91% of school principals require some or a lot of support for students’ mental health and well-being. The PFE report also pointed out that there is a lack of resources to tackle the mental health crisis in the classroom.

Earlier this year, the government allocated $4.75 million to expand a virtual walk-in counseling program to help children and youth access mental health services. This program provides a safe and convenient way for individuals to seek mental health support, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Moreover, a union representing high school teachers has called on the government to hire mental health support staff to address violence in and around schools. The new curriculum is a crucial step forward in promoting mental health awareness and providing students with the necessary tools to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.