Office of Children's Mental Health Releases New Fact Sheet to Make a Difference with Children's Mental Health

Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 -- 11:01 AM

Office of Children’s Mental Health Director Linda Hall announced the publication of a new fact sheet, Strengthening Student Mental Health, and what our students, parents, schools, and policymakers can do to make a difference.

Fostering positive mental health in students can improve their overall health and improve student learning, attendance, and engagement. Positive mental health also reduces bullying, risky behaviors, substance abuse, school violence, and involvement in the juvenile justice system.

Some highlights include positive, not punitive, school culture that supports belonging is key to positive student mental health and reduced symptoms of depression. Students who feel connected to at least one person at school have significantly better mental health than those who lack a connection to school.

Sufficient sleep and developmentally appropriate school start times contribute to improved mental health, academic performance, and reduced car crashes. Wisconsin schools investing in comprehensive school mental health systems offer a continuum of services to all students that contribute to positive mental health.

A growing number of peer-led youth groups are vital to providing youth voice and serve an important role given the shortage of mental health professionals in schools.

What can you do? For students, build positive relationships among your friends and peers and advocate for student mental health in your school or on your campus. For examples, see the Youth Mental Health Groups map.

For parents, encourage your student to participate in a sport, club, or school activity to foster their connections to their school and ensure your child gets sufficient sleep every night.

For schools, build a positive, welcoming, and inclusive school culture. Focus on bullying prevention as a central feature of the school’s safety plan. Implement universal mental health screening of all students. Start school after 8:30 a.m. for middle school and high school students.

For policymakers, support increased, stable funding of comprehensive school-based mental health services. Prioritize and fund the recruitment and retention of school mental health professionals. Require mental health literacy and suicide prevention education for students and school staff.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.