A new online learning resource to help educational staff in Scotland to support young people’s mental health has been launched by the Scottish government.
The Mental Health Foundation, Children's Health Scotland and training provider Digital Bricks developed the tool which is available to all primary, secondary and special school staff. The resource includes information about factors influencing mental health and wellbeing, prevention approaches and tips on how to end discrimination and stigma.
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing is of vital importance and this resource is a significant addition to the suite of resources that school staff can access. It will provide essential learning and knowledge on mental health and wellbeing that schools can adopt and embed across all aspects of the school environment.
“Although aimed primarily at school staff, it can also be accessed and used by anyone who wants to learn more about mental health and how to support children and young people,” she added.
The resource aims to provide school staff with knowledge and understanding of mental health and wellbeing in schools and a range of opportunities to learn about experiences and advice from professionals and young people.
There are four main topics in the resource:
- An overview of mental health
- Factors influencing mental health and wellbeing
- Applying prevention-based approaches in schools
- School staff wellbeing
Councillor Stephen McCabe, COSLA spokesperson for Children and Young People, said: “The mental health and wellbeing of our children and young people must be a priority as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.
“Ensuring those working with young people, in all capacities, have access to resources that develop their understanding of, and equip them to appropriately support mental health would be crucial; I welcome this comprehensive resource providing training and information for all school staff,” he concluded.
