Schools around New York will soon add and teach mental health education in its curriculum. Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently approved the bill proposing the state-wide implementation of an old mandate, which is expected to take effect beginning July 2018.
News 10 reports that teaching mental health education to elementary, middle school and high school students in New York will cover topics like substance dependency on drugs, alcohol and tobacco. It will also cover cancer prevention education, as well as aid the students to recognize the symptoms of the illness.
According to The Washington Times, there are already schools in New York that have mental health education in its curriculum but a substantial number still do not teach the subject. It is the hope of state leaders that the classes would encourage students to seek help from mental health professionals should they need it. By adding mental health education, it could also help break down the stigma and myths attached to the condition. Thus, the move could also alleviate incidence of bullying, suicide and violence among the students.
It is believed that at least 50 percent of students who suffer from emotional distress and other mental health conditions tend to quit school and forego seeking help. Data from the Center for Disease Control cite that children as young as 3-years-old could already suffer from anxiety, depression and other behavioral problems. Meanwhile, some kids could start getting hooked on drugs, alcohol and cigarettes as early as 12-years-old.
A recent poll conducted by CS Mott Children's Hospital has revealed that majority of parents in America are in favor of schools teaching mental health education to its students. This implies that parents see schools as partners in ensuring the children's emotional welfare is also kept in check. The poll also showed that only a third of schools in America's 50 states have mental health classes, hence New York's state-wide mandate is most warranted.
