Illinois high school students are advocating for a new plan to ensure that middle and high schoolers receive essential mental health education. They want state lawmakers to pass this proposal this spring.
The plan would have health teachers cover important topics like recognizing signs of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Rep. Laura Faver Dias (D-Grayslake) explained that this curriculum would go beyond just symptoms. It would also promote overall mental wellness, highlighting skills like problem-solving and self-esteem, and fostering supportive school and home environments where students feel safe.
Faver Dias emphasized the connection between mental health and academic success. She stated, “Understanding mental health challenges helps students realize how it affects their overall well-being and even issues like substance use.”
In this program, students will also learn how to access help from counselors and mental health professionals. The curriculum is designed to be inclusive, making sure it’s suitable for all students, regardless of race, gender, or cultural background.
An important aspect of this proposal is that it respects students’ privacy. There is no requirement for them to share their personal mental health experiences during these classes.
House Bill 2960, which supports this initiative, recently passed the House Education Policy Committee with a 9-4 vote. It now heads to the House for more discussion.
Mental health education in schools is becoming more recognized as vital. A 2022 survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness found that 67% of parents believe mental health education should be taught in schools. With rising awareness, states across the U.S. are starting to prioritize mental health in school curriculums.
For more details about the proposed legislation, you can visit House Bill 2960.
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