Mental Health in Schools:We’re Doing it Wrong | Maya Dawson | TEDxYouth@CherryCreek

Mental Health in Schools: We’re Doing it Wrong | Maya Dawson | TEDxYouth@CherryCreek

In Maya Dawson’s TEDx talk “Mental Health in Schools: We’re Doing it Wrong,” she argues that the current approach to addressing mental health in schools is not effective, as it focuses too much on identifying and treating mental illness in individual students, rather than addressing the root causes of poor mental health in schools. Dawson suggests that schools should adopt a more proactive approach that focuses on promoting mental health and well-being for all students. She advocates for the integration of mindfulness practices, social and emotional learning, and trauma-informed care into the curriculum to help students develop resilience and coping skills.  Dawson also emphasizes the importance of addressing the systemic issues that contribute to poor mental health in schools, such as the pressure to perform academically and social media’s impact on students’ self-esteem. She suggests that schools should create a culture that prioritizes mental health and well-being and provides adequate resources and support for students and staff.  Overall, Dawson’s TEDx talk highlights the need for a comprehensive and proactive approach to addressing mental health in schools, one that focuses on prevention and support for all students, rather than just treating mental illness in a reactive way.

Journal Prompts

• In her TEDx Talk “Mental Health in Schools: We’re Doing it Wrong,” Maya Dawson talks about the importance of addressing mental health in a holistic way, rather than just focusing on individual students. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?  Why or why not?  What are some changes that you believe are needed within your school community to better support such an approach with students?
• Maya Dawson also argues that mental health education should be integrated into the curriculum. What topics should be covered, and at what age should students start learning about mental health?