A recent national poll of parents conducted by University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital shows nearly half of respondents report their teen showing signs of new or worsening mental health conditions since the start of the pandemic. That is why it is more important than ever for teachers and educators to know how to spot and address mental health concerns among their students – both remotely and in person.
Watch this video, which introduces educators to the key elements of a youth mental health first-aid plan and addresses the unique challenges of hybrid learning environments. You will learn how to connect youth to appropriate professional support and hear directly from a teen about what questions and conversations resonate the most with young people.
This video was recorded at the SXSW EDU Conference & Festival, which convened teachers, students, administrators, ed-tech companies, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across the country to advance teaching and learning. It features a panel of experts and advocates, moderated by David Bond, LCSW, director of Behavioral Health for Blue Shield of California. Hear from our BlueSky partner Monica Nepomuceno, MSW, Education Programs Consultant, Mental Health Services Program, California Department of Education and Abby Sanchez, a freshman at Barnard College and BlueSky Mental Health Advocate.
Blue Shield of California’s BlueSky Initiative enhances access, awareness, and advocacy of youth mental health supports in collaboration with the California Department of Education and leading nonprofit organizations. BlueSky supports California youth mental health by providing access to clinicians in middle and high schools, training educators on the signs of mental health issues, and empowering students with in-person and online mental health support resources.