School Mental Health Ontario

Positive mental health

Positive mental health includes all students and supports the goal of prevention, inclusion, compassionate support and healthy development. All students need to have opportunities to develop their gifts, be physically active, achieve a true sense of belonging, experience joy and learn social and emotional resiliency skills for their lives. Mental health promotion should be a whole school and whole community approach, encompassing all of us.

The following are strategies that parents can use to promote positive mental health in their children:

  • create a sense of belonging - build strong, positive relationships;
  • encourage good physical health, including adequate sleep, healthy eating and exercise;
  • make time for regular family meals;
  • encourage creative outlets;
  • develop your child's competencies;
  • keep the lines of communication open;
  • model good mental and physical health habits;
  • have a predictable routine;
  • foster volunteering and helpfulness;
  • bring fun and playfulness into your child's life.

 Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Resources for Students