Understanding Mental Health and Well-being in Children and Young People

• Level 4 Certificate
• Higher Education (non-degree)

Understanding Mental Health and Well-being in Children and Young People

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to describe components of mental health and well-being in children and young people.

Introduce the learning objective and explain its importance.

What do you already know about mental health and well-being in children and young people?

Slide 1: Introduction

Definition of mental health and well-being

Define mental health and well-being in simple terms. Discuss why it is important to focus on children and young people.

Slide 2: Factors Affecting Mental Health

Genetics, environment, and life experiences

Explain how genetics, environment, and life experiences can influence mental health and well-being in children and young people.

Slide 3: Emotional Well-being

Understanding and managing emotions

Discuss the importance of emotional well-being and provide strategies for understanding and managing emotions in children and young people.

Slide 4: Social Well-being

Positive relationships and social support

Explain the significance of positive relationships and social support for the mental health and well-being of children and young people.

Slide 5: Cognitive Well-being

Developing cognitive skills and resilience

Describe the role of cognitive skills and resilience in promoting mental health and well-being in children and young people.

Slide 6: Physical Well-being

Importance of exercise and healthy lifestyle

Highlight the connection between physical well-being and mental health. Discuss the significance of exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Slide 7: Identifying Signs of Mental Health Issues

Changes in behavior, mood, and functioning

Educate students on common signs that may indicate mental health issues in children and young people. Encourage them to seek help if they notice such signs in themselves or others.

Slide 8: Promoting Mental Health

Creating a supportive environment

Discuss ways to create a supportive environment that promotes mental health and well-being in children and young people. Emphasize the importance of open communication and destigmatization.

Slide 9: Building Resilience

Developing coping skills and positive mindset

Teach strategies for building resilience in children and young people, including developing coping skills and fostering a positive mindset.

Slide 10: Accessing Support

Available resources and seeking help

Provide information about available resources and encourage students to seek help from trusted adults or professionals if needed.

Slide 11: Case Study

Analyzing a hypothetical scenario

Present a case study related to mental health in children and young people. Engage students in a discussion to analyze the situation and propose appropriate actions.

Slide 12: Interactive Activity

Exploring self-care strategies

Engage students in an interactive activity where they brainstorm and share self-care strategies that can contribute to their mental health and well-being.

Slide 13: Myth Busting

Dispelling common misconceptions

Address common misconceptions about mental health and well-being in children and young people. Provide accurate information to debunk these myths.

Slide 14: Importance of Supportive Relationships

Positive impact on mental health

Highlight the positive impact of supportive relationships on the mental health and well-being of children and young people. Encourage students to foster such relationships.

Slide 15: Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Practicing mindfulness and relaxation

Introduce mindfulness and relaxation techniques that children and young people can incorporate into their daily lives to promote mental well-being.

Slide 16: Identifying Trusted Adults

Recognizing trusted individuals

Guide students in identifying trusted adults in their lives whom they can turn to for support and guidance regarding their mental health.

Slide 17: Impact of Bullying

Understanding the effects of bullying

Discuss the detrimental effects of bullying on mental health and well-being. Promote empathy and kindness as ways to prevent and address bullying.

Slide 18: Media Influence

Recognizing media's impact on mental health

Raise awareness about the influence of media on mental health and well-being. Encourage critical thinking and media literacy skills.

Slide 19: Reflecting on Personal Well-being

Self-reflection and goal setting

Guide students in reflecting on their own mental health and well-being. Encourage them to set realistic goals for improvement.

Slide 20: Recap and Conclusion

Key takeaways and next steps

Summarize the main points covered in the lesson. Encourage students to prioritize their mental health and well-being and seek help when needed.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.