Mental Health Resources & Tips

INSTITUTE FOR EMERGING ISSUES - NCSU

 

HOW CAN K-5 TEACHERS SUPPORT STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH AND BEHAVIOR?

 

In any given year, 13-20 percent of children in the United States experience a mental health issue.  Though treatment is available, 80 percent do not receive needed services, making it more difficult to treat later in life.

 

Identifying a mental health or behavioral issue in a child is challenging, given the many physical, mental, and emotional changes that occur as part of their natural development.  Since children spend half of their waking day in the classroom, schools are uniquely positioned to help a child experiencing a mental health or behavioral issue to receive needed services.  However, many teachers do not know how to access information and resources or how to communicate these with families.  

 

There are a multitude of resources available for teachers and school staff to help them play an active role in supporting positive student mental health and behavior.  For example, the N.C. Department of Public instruction offers several tools and resources to address student mental health and behavior issues and is working with partner organizations across the state to realize these efforts.  The attached link is to a webinar on student mental health and behavior.