At the Stigma-Free Mental Health Society, we believe mental health education is a vital part of every school curriculum. As more educators recognize the importance of mental health literacy, virtual resources are becoming essential tools for introducing the topic in class. These tools not only make it easier for educators to teach mental wellness but also help students learn in an engaging, Stigma‐Free environment. In this post, you’ll learn why online mental health teaching resources are so effective and how you can use them to support your students.

Why Virtual Mental Health Education?

Virtual mental health education offers several benefits for educators when it comes to teaching their students:

•  Accessibility and Convenience: Digital platforms allow educators to access mental health resources anytime, anywhere. This ensures that even remote or under-resourced schools can provide up-to-date mental health education.
•  Interactive Learning: Many online programs use interactive elements, such as videos, activities, or quizzes, to make learning engaging and memorable for youth. These tools help students grasp complex topics related to mental health, no matter their learning style.
• Caring for Students’ Well-Being: Quality programs have been shown to reduce stigma among youth and increase their understanding of mental health. Teaching youth about mental wellness encourages them to seek support when they need it and helps them recognize mental health challenges in themselves and others.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Some digital resources come at little to no cost for schools, making them a sustainable option for long-term integration into the curriculum.

Introducing the Stigma-Free School Program

Every student deserves access to mental health education, and our Stigma-Free School Program helps make that a reality. The no-cost program offers online materials to help you teach your students about mental health efficiently, including:

The Student Mental Health Toolkit

An online collection of interactive resources and lesson plans aligned with BC and Manitoba curricula. Alberta lesson plans coming soon!

Stigma-Free Presentations

Available both virtually and in-person, our live Stigma-Free Presentations teach your students strategies to maintain their mental health, reduce stigma through sharing lived experiences, and encourage open discussions among youth.

Stigma-Free Professional Development Day Sessions

Remote sessions that guide educators through implementing our digital resources into their teaching practices.

Stigma-Free Clubs

Request the club framework on our website to empower students in promoting mental health awareness throughout their school community. Clubs provide a space for students to learn about mental health together with their peers.

Each element of our program is user-friendly and flexible, ensuring educators can easily incorporate them into their curriculum regardless of their teaching schedule or location.

Tips for Integrating Digital Mental Health Resources in Your Classroom

Not sure where to begin? Here are a few tips to make the most of our virtual mental health program this fall:

Start small. You can plan one or two lessons with the help of our Lesson Plans on the Student Mental Health Toolkit to introduce basic concepts like emotional regulation.

Encourage interaction. Starting conversations about mental health with students can help destigmatize the topic. Our Stigma-Free Presentations include a Q&A period that invites discussion with presenters and peers. To make students feel more comfortable, you may also consider allowing them to submit questions anonymously through an online platform.

Blend formats. Alongside live teaching, try adding virtual and/or asynchronous activities to cater to different learning styles.

Create a supportive space. Normalize the topic and remind students that mental health affects everyone. Emphasize that your classroom is a safe place for questions and dialogue.

Interested in our programs? Contact us if you’d like more information about bringing our resources to your school. Explore the Stigma-Free School Program today and take the first step towards building a healthier, more inclusive learning environment for all students.

References

Wei, Y., Kutcher, S. (2014, April 2). School Mental Health Literacy. EdCan Network.

Author: Monique Zizzo