Mental Health & Education

In 2011, the Ontario government expanded the role of school boards to include a focus on student mental health and well-being
Open Minds, Healthy Minds (2011).

Ontario schools are ideal places to:

• Promote positive mental health for all students

• Implement prevention initiatives to offset risk factors for child and youth mental health problems (i.e, social determinants of health)

• Aid early intervention efforts by connecting students experiencing mental health problems to community services and resources.

In Achieving Excellence, A Renewed Vision for Education in Ontario (2014), the Ministry established positive mental health as a core component of student well-being.

Student Well-Being: All children and students will develop enhanced mental and physical health, a positive sense of self and belonging, and the skills to make positive choices.

Student Well-being now sits alongside Achievement, Equity and Enhancing Public Confidence – the four core pillars of Ontario Education.

To learn more about Ontario’s Well-Being Strategy for Education, watch this quick video.