Are We Listening? What Students Really Think About School Mental Health Programs
The bell rings. Lockers slam shut. Students rush between classes, a mix of hurried footsteps, last-minute homework help, and bursts of laughter. It’s another Tuesday in high schools across Canada. But beneath the noise, there’s a quieter story unfolding—a mental health crisis that’s affecting our teens in ways we can no longer ignore. Sadly, this is the common situation, whether in Canada, the US, the UK, or almost anywhere else.
Are Schools Really Listening?
A few schools have started addressing the growing mental health needs. But, sadly, most have not. SEL programs are still not common enough. Counselling services, stress management workshops, and mental health awareness campaigns are becoming part of the school routine. But in our rush to help, are we really listening to what students have to say? What do they truly think about these programs?
I believe in the power of real voices, so we went straight to the source: the students themselves. We spoke with teens to hear their unfiltered thoughts on school mental health initiatives. What we found was eye-opening; some progress, yes, but plenty of room for improvement. 96% said their schools’ efforts aren’t doing enough.
“It’s Too Surface Level”
One message came through loud and clear: there’s a gap between what’s offered and what students really need. “They have these big assemblies about mental health, but it always feels so surface level,” said Greg, a 12th grader from Calgary. “No one talks about the real stuff, like panic attacks or how depression feels.” It means tackling some tough subjects, but life entails ups and downs. They don’t need it sugar-coated.
Students want more than just awareness—they want real, practical tools to navigate their lives. Workshops on managing social media stress, handling anxiety, and even dealing with tough emotions are in high demand. “The session on stress management during exams was so important for me,” said Emily, a 10th grader from Toronto. ‘It helped me cope, and my grades improved.”
This time last year, I attended a speaking engagement by esteemed psychologist and author, Dr Lisa Damour, sponsored by a private school. The content was great and well attended by parents, but according to her booking agent, she charges $30-50,000 US per speaking appearance. How many programs or tools could this been used for students? Are schools appeasing parents over prioritizing students? The tuition continues to get paid, so it is a good use of resources, right?
The Stigma Barrier
Stigma remains a huge barrier. Even with increased awareness, many students still hesitate to seek help because they fear being judged. “You don’t want to be seen as the ‘messed up’ kid,” admitted Jack, 15, from Toronto. This shows just how critical it is to keep working on reducing the stigma around mental health. We must foster a culture where reaching out is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
Perhaps the most crucial takeaway is that students want to be part of the conversation. “We’re the ones going through it,” said Hilliary, a student council president from Toronto. “If they actually asked us what we needed, these programs would be so much better.”
Action Starts with Listening
Schools need to listen to their students. We must actively ask for their feedback: create youth advisory boards, conduct surveys, and hold open discussions. The more we involve students in shaping these programs, the more relevant and effective they’ll become. And the more ownership students will take over their own mental well-being.
The Time for Action is Now
It’s time we stop treating mental health as an afterthought. Offering surface-level programs and calling it a day isn’t enough. Our students deserve better. They are asking for better. And they deserve better. They need real support, tools, and a real commitment from educators, parents, and communities. It’s time to work together and listen.
The question is: Are we ready to do it?
