Florida Public Schools Now Required To Offer Mental Health Instruction To Students In Grades 6-12

The national conversation around mental health continues to make incredibly impressive strides—and a new requirement for Florida public schools is a step in the right direction to keep the progress going.

In a move that will certainly help many students, Florida public schools are now required to offer at least five hours of mental health instruction to students in 6^th grade through the 12^th grade. According to @abcnews, The Florida Board of Education voted unanimously earlier this week to approve the new school requirements, which are part of a mental health initiative spearheaded by Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis, wife of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

In a statement discussing the new requirements, Casey DeSantis explained why taking this step was an important issue for the state of Florida:

“Ron and I have traveled the state and have heard from many families who voice concern about the struggles that adversely affect so many of our children. We know that 50 percent of all mental illness cases begin by age 14, so we are being proactive in our commitment to provide our kids with the necessary tools to see them through their successes and challenges. Providing mental health instruction is another important step forward in supporting our families.”

The mental health courses will be required by students every year related to youth mental health awareness and assistance. Additionally, all courses “must include instruction that will help them identify the signs and symptoms of mental illness, take them through the process of getting or seeking help for themselves or others, provide awareness of the resources available, and teach them what to do or say to their peers who are struggling with mental health disorders.”

Given the rise of mental health issues among children as young as elementary school age, offering courses specifically related to coping and identifying mental health issues couldn’t come at a better time.

Roommates, do you think mental health courses should be a school requirement?