Mental health education in young children is pinnacle to help in preventing mental illnesses as they grow up. By teaching kids from a young age to be in touch with their emotions, how to deal with them and how to interact with other children and make friends, we can ensure happier and healthier minds for them as they grow up.
One-third of our global population develops their first signs of mental health issues before the age of 14.
Since 2017 our founder and CEO, Adam Shaw, and his charity ShawMind have been fighting the UK parliament to make mental health education compulsory in all schools.
103,000 signatures and 3 years later, Adam and his charity won against parliament in 2020.
Since then every educational environment for young years to secondary schools has to teach their students about mental health. Government guidance states that: ‘In primary schools, we want the subjects to put in place the key building blocks of healthy, respectful relationships, focusing on family and friendships, in all contexts, including online. This will sit alongside the essential understanding of how to be healthy. At secondary, teaching will build on the knowledge acquired at primary and develop further pupils’ understanding of health, with an increased focus on risk areas such as drugs and alcohol, as well as introducing knowledge about intimate relationships and sex.’ (Mentally Healthy Schools).
The subject is split into two sections: physical health and mental wellbeing and relationships.
Alongside the education, TriggerHub bibliotherapy harnesses the power to assist in developing a child’s understanding of mental health and how to look after themselves mentally and physically. By reading books specially curated to teach children about feelings, emotions, thoughts and interacting with others we can make an impact on younger years and their future.
Get in touch today to find out more about how you can support your students/your child with our unique and innovative bibliotherapy packages.
https://www.triggerhub.org/early-years/
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