What should a mental health literacy curriculum include?
Core elements
- Understanding: what mental health is, and the difference between everyday stress and difficulties that need support.
- Recognising: early signs in yourself and in friends.
- Talking: words for feelings, and how to start and respond to a difficult conversation.
- Reducing stigma: challenging labels and myths so young people feel safe to speak up.
- Help-seeking: who to go to in school and outside, and what happens next.
- Looking after yourself: sleep, relationships, digital life and coping strategies.
Age-appropriate by design
The same themes return at different depths from age 9 to 18. Younger students build vocabulary and trust; older students explore specific difficulties, supporting friends and when to involve an adult.
Why the adults matter
A curriculum that encourages students to speak up only works if the adults who hear them know how to respond. Pair student modules with staff training and a parent session so everyone uses the same language.
1. Understand
Mental Health Literacy
Classroom modules for ages 9 to 18, with staff and parent sessions, so your whole school community shares one mental health language.
Explore Mental Health Literacy