NJ Public Schools Must Teach About Mental Health, New Law Says

Growing up can be tough. There’s peer pressure… dating… mountains of schoolwork. But according to the supporters of a new law in New Jersey, as many as one in five teens may also be struggling with an entirely different challenge: mental illness.

Last week, Gov. Phil Murphy gave the go-ahead to S2861, which requires all New Jersey public schools to include mental health instruction for students in kindergarten through grade 12. (Read the full legislation)

The bill passed the state Legislature by a landslide, getting a thumbs-up from the Assembly in June by a vote of 74-0, and the Senate in March by a vote of 34-0.

The new law will require the state Board of Education to review and update the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education to ensure that mental health education is incorporated in an “age-appropriate way.” It will include information on substance abuse.

The law takes effect immediately and will apply to the 2020-2021 school year.

New Jersey will be the second state in the nation to enact this program throughout K-12 schools. The State of New York was the first to mandate mental health education in all public schools.

According to Sen. Kristin Corrado, one of the law’s primary sponsors, the new policy will empower students to recognize the warning signs of mental illness and learn how to ask for help… whether it be for a classmate or for themselves.

“I strongly believe that educating kids about the significance of mental health will break the stigma and save lives,” said Corrado, a Republican who represents the state’s 40th District.

Corrado pointed to an American Psychiatric Association study, which claims that 50 percent of mental health issues begin to show their signs at the age of 14.

“Adolescence can be a confusing and stressful time,” Corrado said. “We need to make sure teens are comfortable asking for support.”

Other sponsors of the law include Senators Richard Codey and Joseph Vitale, and Assembly members Gary Schaer, John McKeon, Joann Downey, Raj Mukherji and Daniel Benson.

• See related article: Most NJ Residents Know Someone With Autism, Rutgers Study Finds

Murphy’s signing of the new law was followed by enthusiastic praise from a chorus of elected officials, school administrators, teacher union representatives and mental health advocates.

Lamont Repollet (NJ Education Commissioner)– “Educating students about mental health prioritizes approaches like social and emotional learning programs that give students the necessary skills to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, and make responsible decisions. It's an important step toward building positive school climates and supportive learning environments for all of our students.”

Donna Chiera (AFTNJ President) – “Legislation to include mental health information, including substance abuse awareness, in age-appropriate education is a positive step in that direction and we look forward to working on its implementation.”

Lawrence Feinsod (NJSBA Executive Director) – “It is important that our students develop ways to cope with life’s challenges. Including mental health within the existing curriculum is a logical step.”

Julie Borst (Executive Director of Save Our Schools) – “Mental health instruction from K through 12th grade is critical to building awareness and encouraging treatment.”

Sen. Joseph Vitale – “This legislation is long overdue. It has taken our society a long time to recognize the crucial piece of wellbeing that is mental health. We try to prepare our children by teaching them about science, math, English and physical health. It is time to add mental health to the essential learning for a well-rounded young adult and I am glad the Governor is taking action to make this the case in New Jersey.”

Assemblywoman Joann Downey – “Mental health conditions are much more common than many people realize, yet there continues to be a stigma around it. Hopefully by raising awareness for mental health issues in a classroom setting, we can reduce the stigma and instill greater empathy for generations to come.”

Assemblyman Gary Schaer – “It’s incredibly important that students understand the many dimensions of health, from exercise to mental health and wellness. Educating children about these issues from a young age will help them gain a deeper understanding of how to care for their mental health as they get older.”

Assemblyman John McKeon – “One in five children ages 13 to 18 have, or will have, a serious mental illness in their lives. In any given classroom, there’s bound to be students living with a mental health issue, from ADHD to depression to anxiety. Some may not have been diagnosed or treated. Through lessons on mental health, we may help some youth feel less alone or be encouraged to seek the help they need.”

Assemblyman Raj Mukherji – “People struggling with their mental health face unique challenges every day. Not only will adequate education help students with and without mental health conditions better understand those challenges, but teachers may find ways to connect with students with mental health diagnoses on a deeper level.”

Assemblyman Dan Benson – “As rates of teen suicide and addiction continue to rise, we need to find ways to engage youth about these issues, beginning with comprehensive lessons in schools. Students will learn how to recognize the signs of mental illness and where they can go for help. These tools may be incredibly important if they find themselves struggling or see a friend who needs help.”

Sue Devlin (Executive Director of CBH Care) – “For many years, important subjects like sexual education were not taught in schools, to the detriment of students. Mental and behavioral healthcare is the next frontier in terms of important early childhood education. 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness every single year, and these issues often first manifest in adolescents. That is why childhood programs which teach kids that these issues affect millions of people go a long way towards not only breaking the stigma associated with mental and behavioral health, but empowering young people with the tools to seek treatment. This legislation is a great step towards empowering school districts to treat mental healthcare the same way we rightfully treat physical healthcare.”

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