Do Mental Health Lessons in Schools Help Our Kids or Make Things Worse? - Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Every school talks about teaching mental health, but is it actually helping kids? Or could some programs be doing more harm than good?

In this episode, Justin unpacks the latest research on school-based mental health lessons — what works, what doesn’t, and why good intentions aren’t always enough. If you’ve ever wondered whether your child is really benefiting from these classes, this is the conversation you need to hear.

KEY POINTS

• Why mental health lessons don’t always translate into healthier kids
• The risk of programs that label or pathologise normal emotions
• What research really shows about long-term impact
• How parents and teachers can support mental wellbeing in practical, everyday ways

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"We can’t just teach kids about mental health in theory — we have to live it with them in practice."

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Happy Families Website
• https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/20/mental-health-lessons-school-dont-work-mindfulness

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. Ask your child what they really think about mental health classes at school.
2. Focus on daily connection — listening, empathy, and open conversations.
3. Model healthy coping strategies at home rather than relying only on school programs.

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