An item from a general education organization in Ontario.  On the positive side, at least they don’t blame remote or online learning for the decline in mental health.

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Share Tweet Forward Dear People for Education supporter, Today, we’re releasing new findings on student mental health and well-being from our 2022-23 Annual Ontario School Survey. These findings align with so many reports that have recently come out and are all saying the same thing: “The kids are not alright.” In the survey responses, principals shared their worries about the assumption that things are now “back to normal” in schools. They say nothing could be further from the truth. They are seeing more behavioural issues, an increased number of students needing mental health support, and kids who have simply not bounced back from the pandemic. The experts tell us that most mental health disorders emerge during childhood and adolescence. While we can’t expect schools to treat students struggling with mental illness, we could be doing much more to support schools to help promote students’ mental health. For once, this isn’t simply an issue of funding; what’s needed is more coherent policy and more coordination of services. An essential first step will be convening a Health and Education Task Force to bring together the people with the experience and the expertise necessary to come up with long-term solutions. Annie  New data from People for Education reveals that schools are under strain More than 1,000 principals from all of Ontario’s 72 school boards participated in the 2022-23 Annual Ontario School Survey. On February 27th, we released findings from the survey focused on student mental health and well-being. Among the findings from the 2022-23 Annual Ontario School Survey: 95% of schools report needing support for students’ mental health and well-being. Only 9% of schools report they have regularly scheduled access to an in-person mental health/addiction specialist or nurse, and 46% of schools report no access at all. 28% of elementary and secondary schools report they have no access to a psychologist, either virtually or in-person; nearly double the percentage with no access in 2011. Read More More about youth mental health in the news New US CDC report calls for investment in schools as a vital lifeline to help youth struggling with mental health challenges.  The report finds that experiences of violence, suicidal thought and behaviours have increased especially among teen girls. Nearly 1 in 3 young girls surveyed reports having considered attempting suicide—60% more than a decade ago. CAMH to create groundbreaking youth mental health platform. The Canadian Youth Mental Health Insight Platform will support experts, researchers, and users to share and learn from mental health data to better prevent, diagnose and treat youth mental illness in Canada. The 2023 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey is now being conducted in schools across Ontario to track drug, mental health and well-being trends. The findings will be used by education and health professionals to inform the implementation of future programs and policies in support of the health and well-being of youth. Where should the new healthcare money go? Experts point to Canada’s most pressing problems and provide solutions. Colin Mochrie and Deb McGrath host annual gala On May 25, the stars will come out to support public education, the arts in schools, and People for Education. Telling Tales Out of School is People for Education’s annual fundraising gala, finally back in-person after a three year “pandemic pause.” Mark your calendars now, and we’ll update you with more information soon.

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