Ontario Government Launching Mental Health Literacy in Curriculum

The Government of Ontario is beginning to recognize the struggles in mental health of teens by introducing mental health literacy in the Grade 10 Career Studies Curriculum as well as resources for grade 7 and 8 classrooms. These measures are to help support mental health needs for students to help prepare them for their future.

Stephen Lecce, The Minister of Education, and MPP of Burlington, Natalie Pierre made an announcement addressing the $26 million that will be funded over the next two years to provide support services to mental health professionals for students year-round. As mental health issues are at an increase, one in four individuals suffer from a mental disorder. To help recognize and provide students with access to the support they need, the Ontario Government is making a commitment to better school-based services with reliable support.

The plan for adding mental health literacy into the curriculum will include addressing stress management, healthy coping skills, and identifying early signs. Materials for grade 7 and 8 students will help educate students on how to deal with stress, teach them about mental health and illness, and when they should get help. Likewise, the mandatory learning for Grade 10 students will begin fall 2024 and will also provide local resources for help as well as how to recognize signs of struggling. These mental health literacy resources will provide students with tools necessary to let them know they are not alone and are able to get the assistance they need around Ontario (Ontario Newsroom, 2023).

The significance of mental health literacy in school is immense as youths need access to resources that will help them grow up to be healthy adults. There has been a 500% increase in mental health funding in schools from 2018, now standing at $114 million. Over $525 million has been provided in funding to improve access to support for youth, families, and children Ontario (Ontario Newsroom, 2023). As Ontario continues to work on addressing mental health services, this plan will help improve connections with the community, address mental illnesses in education, and provide access to care.

 It is fascinating to see Ontario grow as a province and the necessary actions being taken by the Ontario Government. With the mental health services and education being promised, we hope to see an improvement in the mental health of our youths and continue to address as well as provide children with the care they need. Happy and healthy children mean happy and healthy future adults. This small project may be the first steps in improving the quality of life for children, families, and youth in Ontario as a whole. 

 – Athisayaa Prabagar, Intern