Learning can only happen when students feel safe, supported, and understood — physically, emotionally, and mentally. That’s the driving force behind Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, observed annually during the first week of May.
Led by the National Federation of Families, this vital campaign highlights the mental health needs of children and youth. It encourages schools and communities to promote understanding, reduce stigma, and advocate for inclusive, accessible mental health support.
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week is a powerful reminder that we all play a role in supporting student well-being. It’s an opportunity for educators, families, healthcare providers, and communities to collaborate and raise awareness, ensuring students have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Why Children’s Mental Health Deserves Attention
Mental health challenges can start early. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 children in the U.S. experience a mental health disorder in a given year, but only about 20% of those children receive care from a specialized mental health provider.
Because mental health challenges can affect academics, relationships, and physical well-being, early recognition and support are key, and it all begins with awareness.
How Mental Health Awareness Supports Inclusion
Mental health awareness and inclusion are closely intertwined. Here’s how:
1. It Creates Equitable Learning Environments
Children who struggle with mental health challenges may find it difficult to concentrate, regulate their emotions, or interact comfortably with peers. These difficulties can significantly impact their ability to learn and thrive in traditional classroom settings. Inclusive schools recognize that one size does not fit all, particularly when addressing students’ diverse emotional and psychological needs. They intentionally create learning environments where every child feels safe, supported, and capable of success.
To foster equity, schools may implement a variety of supports, including:
- Flexible seating: Allowing students to choose how and where they sit — whether a standing desk, a wobble chair, or a cozy corner — gives them autonomy and helps those with anxiety, ADHD, or sensory sensitivities stay engaged.
- Sensory-friendly classrooms: Reducing harsh lighting, loud noises, and visual clutter creates a calming environment that helps students stay focused and prevents overstimulation.
- Social-emotional learning (SEL) programs: Teaching students how to recognize and manage their emotions, develop empathy, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions strengthens emotional resilience and supports mental well-being.
- Empathy-driven practices: Equipping educators with practices rooted in empathy enables them to understand the root causes of student behavior, respond in ways that reduce harm, and create classroom routines that foster trust, consistency, and emotional regulation. These approaches benefit all students, including those navigating trauma, anxiety, or neurodivergence.
These thoughtful opportunities benefit students with diagnosed conditions, creating a more inclusive and compassionate environment that benefits everyone. When schools invest in equitable learning environments, they foster a culture of belonging, resilience, and mutual respect, where all students can learn and grow together.
2. It Reduces Disparities in Access to Care
As educators, you witness firsthand how mental health challenges can impact students’ ability to learn, connect with peers, and thrive in the classroom. However, not all students have equal access to the care they need. Children with disabilities, children of color, LGBTQ+ youth, and children in foster care often face more significant obstacles in getting mental health support. These can include a lack of affordable services, stigma within their communities, and a shortage of providers who understand their cultural and lived experiences.
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month is an essential time for educators to raise awareness about these issues and advocate for more equitable support systems. By raising awareness in your school and community, you can help break down stigma and call for culturally responsive care that meets the diverse needs of your students. This may involve partnering with school counselors to ensure inclusive practices, providing staff training on empathy-driven strategies, or advocating for policy changes that ensure culturally responsive and accessible care for all students.
Addressing disparities in access to care helps students engage more fully in their learning and develop the social-emotional skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
3. It Helps Kids Feel Seen and Heard
Inclusion goes beyond providing access — it’s about creating a space where every student feels they truly belong. When schools prioritize mental health and emotional well-being, students learn they are not alone. They feel seen, heard, and valued, encouraging them to reach out when they need support.
That is especially important for students who may feel different due to a diagnosis, past trauma, or other challenges. By promoting awareness and understanding, educators help establish a classroom culture founded on empathy, where peers and adults demonstrate compassion and care.
How You Can Support Children’s Mental Health
Looking to make a lasting impact this May — and every day? Here are a few meaningful ways to support the mental well-being of your students:
- Create space for open conversations: Normalize talking about emotions and stress in your classroom. Let students know it’s okay to ask for help — and that you’re there to listen, even if you don’t have all the answers.
- Recognize the signs: Stay informed about common mental health symptoms in children and adolescents. The National Institute of Mental Health can help you identify when a student might need extra support.
- Champion mental health resources in your school: Collaborate with school leaders to strengthen mental health support systems. Advocate for access to counselors, social-emotional learning (SEL) programs, and inclusive, supportive policies.
- Foster a culture of kindness and belonging: Help students celebrate what makes each person unique and valued. Encourage empathy, respect, and meaningful peer connections to build a classroom where everyone feels safe and valued.
Changing Perspectives Offers Educators and Communities Support
This week is more than a calendar date — it’s a reminder that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. Prioritizing mental well-being builds the foundation for healthier, more inclusive schools.
Let’s keep the conversation going — this month and every month.
At Changing Perspectives, we support every member of the educational community in fostering social-emotional learning and creating inclusive, equitable learning environments where all students can thrive. Our comprehensive approach includes five key areas of support: curriculum resources, family workshops, professional development training, site visits, and virtual coaching.
Explore our user-friendly resources and lesson plans. Let us know how we can support you!
