The Halton Region is asking the provincial government to consider enhancing mental health education and programming in high schools.
This request will be sent to the Minister of Education, the Associate Minister of Health and Addictions, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Halton MPPs, and all four Halton School Boards.
Regional Councillor for Ward 4, Zeeshan Hamid, talks about the delegate who inspired this motion.
Councillor Hamid adds that better programming will teach kids that there is someone they can reach out to if they are in need.
He talks about the challenges of getting help as a teenager.
He says that it’s really tough for parents to see the signs as their teenagers are out of the house all day.
Often once they notice the signs, it’s too late and the kids can no longer hide it.
Councillor Hamid talks about the goals they hope to achieve by enhancing mental health support at school.
He feels this is something the province should take a hard look at.
Adding that while it’s good that students are learning academic skills, we need to get our priorities straight and make sure teens are taught basic life skills as well.
