Mental health to become part of high school Virginia curriculum
News VirginianJul 09, 2018
The legislation, sponsored on the
Deeds, D-
Educators and health care professionals agree that creating an awareness of mental health is important.
Barber said the mental health education "mandated by the state complements our health and PE curriculum and presentations included in our family life curriculum." He said the emphasis on mental health also complements professional development completed during the 2017-18 school year. Barber said 60 Waynesboro administrators, teachers, instructional assistants and school counselors in all city schools were trained and certified as youth mental health first aiders.
Barber said "the new law only furthers the conversation in
"I think it is very important to educate our students regarding mental health," he said. Bond said the new curriculum for mental health "will certainly enhance and supplement some of the programs that we have already implemented such as anti-bullying campaigns."
Bond said the ability of students to identify the warning signs "and ask for assistance is essential." The superintendent said "it is imperative for us as a school community, all stakeholders, to understand needs of students with social and emotional needs and be able to provide the necessary services/education they need."
Dr.
Greene said depression symptoms can be characterized by detachment from normal activities, a lowered appetite and inability to sleep. He said peers should also listen if someone talks about dying.
Previously, area school districts have gotten some measurement about students contemplating risky behaviors, including suicide, through risk-behavior surveys given to students.
The surveys were developed by the