AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Legislature passed a bill that would require all Maine schools to include mental health education as a part of health education classes.
In a release from the Maine Legislature, elementary schools would be required that students be taught attitudes and behaviors that promote health and well-being.
Maine middle schools or junior high schools would be required to teach the importance of mental health and the relationship between physical and mental health.
“Teaching our kids how to talk about mental health — and that it’s OK to talk about mental health — will help them be more mindful and proactive about their own overall wellbeing,” said Sen. Carson. “I’m glad my colleagues in the Senate have prioritized the health of our young people by passing this bill.”
All Maine high schools would be required to teach physiology, hygiene and how alcoholic drinks, stimulants and narcotics affect the human body and finding behaviors that promote health.
“Mental health issues are as common as most physical health issues, but can seem to be viewed in society as something any individual can control,” said Brunswick School Department Superintendent Paul Perzanoski. “We need to remove the stigma of shame and instill a safe environment for knowledge to take its place.”
Gov. Janet Mills has 10 days to either veto, sign, or allow the bill to become a law without her signature.