Hundreds of Ontario principals say they are under-resourced to support the mental health of students, who continue to struggle with the effects of the pandemic.
A survey of over 1,000 principals across Ontario’s publicly funded school boards found 95 per cent reported they need more support for students’ mental health, with only about one in ten schools reporting regularly scheduled access to a mental health specialist.
Nonpartisan advocacy group People for Education’s survey was released against the backdrop of numerous reports finding youth mental health got worse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patsy Agard, who is the president of the Ontario Principals’ Council, says the government could look to fast-track mental health workers in post-secondary programs and improve school access to community-based mental health staff and resources.
(The Canadian Press)
