Guides help adults facilitate safe environments, empower kids to offer peer support
ALEXANDRIA, Va.—As summer comes to a close and kids and teens are going back to school, Mental Health America (MHA) has published a series of free, downloadable guides to help adults support the well-being of children and teens while also empowering youth to care for each other.
Teachers and other school personnel may be the first to notice mental health struggles in students given how much time is spent at school. That’s why MHA's 2024 Supporting Young Minds resources offer practical tips for teachers, parents, caregivers, and others to help facilitate open discussions about mental health and when and how to find help.
Designed to be used year-round, the guides contain tools such as sample communications and key messages for school and community leaders; instructions for building safe spaces in the classroom; book recommendations; and several other resources aimed at helping young people support their peers during hard times. In addition, MHA's Supporting Young Minds content includes social media assets, fact sheets, and a poster.
"We know that youth are facing unprecedented challenges to their mental well-being right now. Supportive environments and informed, compassionate approaches are central to early intervention–which is why we prepared these guides,” said Schroeder Stribling, president and CEO of MHA. “Together, we can support the mental health of the next generation and ensure that all youth have the opportunity to thrive and flourish."
Visit mhanational.org/young-minds to download these free guides and other resources.
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About Mental Health America
Mental Health America is the nation’s leading community-driven nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being, resilience, recovery, and closing the mental health equity gap. Mental Health America’s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of whole person health, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; and integrated care, services and supports for those who need them. Learn more at MHAnational.org.