Mental health first aid training for pupils and teachers

Schoolchildren are taught to administer first aid in the event of a heart attack or accident. However, few schoolchildren receive first aid training on how to help a classmate who is having a panic attack or a friend who is experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Education and training must focus more on teaching everyday mental health skills. Teaching must be systematic and consistent. In this way, we can prevent mental health problems in children and young people, promote the development of emotional and interpersonal skills, and strengthen the well-being of the entire school community. At the same time, bullying as a mental health risk factor will be prevented.

We propose that every school in Tuusula provide two days of mental health first aid training for pupils and teachers. The training includes the basics of strengthening mental health and personal well-being, instructions for recognising risky situations and helping others, and learning materials on coping with life crises and recognising various mental health disorders.  The training can be carried out by a mental health professional or a teacher trained as a mental health first aid instructor. The training should also be targeted at teachers so that they have more tools and up-to-date information for promoting mental health skills and monitoring and strengthening the mental wellbeing of their students.

We, the undersigned representatives, demand that Tuusula introduce a concise but comprehensive mental health first aid course in every school.

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