Providing Mental Health Education to Students is Critical — and Achievable

Issue brief explores how some communities are making it happen, and how we can ensure every California student has the skills they need to thrive

Since the 2021 enactment of California's Senate Bill 224, public middle and high schools that offer health courses are required to include mental health instruction within those courses. The law additionally called on the state to develop plans to expand this instruction to schools across the state.

Though only a subset of California schools are currently subject to the new mandate, the change in law marked an important first step in equipping students with the knowledge and tools they need to support their mental health and well-being.

In "Providing Mental Health Education to Students is Critical — and Achievable," an issue brief developed by NCYL and partner agencies, we share insights gathered from the field into what's working, where there's room to grow, and how we can build upon the successes of SB 224. The Children’s Partnership (TCP), the California Alliance of Child & Family Services (CACFS), The Catalyst Center, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) contributed to the brief's development.

Among the recommendations outlined in the brief for California lawmakers are to:

• Expand access to mental health education;
• Build community and partnerships to advance this work; and 
• Uplift the voices of students and other key stakeholders.

Download the full brief here.