Mental Health Instruction Required To Be Taught In Florida Schools

The Florida Board of Education has approved a mandate to require the teaching of mental health instruction to students beginning in the 6th grade.

Education officials proposed the change to the statewide school curriculum following discussions with First Lady Casey DeSantis, who has made mental health issues a top priority.

Students will be required to take courses aimed at helping them to identify the signs of mental illness, find resources if they're battling depression or other issues and teach them how to help classmates, friends and loved ones who are struggling with a mental health disorder.

While it remains unclear whether the requirement will begin during the upcoming school year, students between grades 6 and 12 would all have to take a minimum of five hours of instruction.

Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran calls it a "life-saver."

Photo: Getty Images


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