The last year has been extremely difficult for children and teens with the stress and uncertainty of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. On top of that, being a kid is just hard with the pressures of bullying, making good grades, and dealing with feelings of inferiority.
A new bill in Utah could help combat those mental health issues, reported KSL.
The bill would make mental health days an excused absence from Utah schools. The House Education Committee voted unanimously on HB81, and sent it to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
According to Representative Mike Winder, R-West Valley City, the other states that have incorporated this allowance have seen a great reduction in the number of youth suicides.
Winder stated, "Here in the state of Utah, where we're at sixth in the nation for youth suicides, anything we can do to save a life is important, especially in this pandemic where our kids are under pressure like ever before."
Winder said that the bill is being supported bu the Utah chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Utah School Counselor Association, and the Libertas Institute.
"Some people, many people, have mental illnesses, but not all people. But we all have mental health don't we, just like we all have physical health. It's important that we maintain our physical health from hitting the breaking point just like it's important we maintain our mental health from hitting the breaking point," Winder said.
Those in favor of the bill are hoping that it will normalize mental health issues.
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