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

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 &mdash; what works, what doesn&rsquo;t, and why good intentions aren&rsquo;t always enough. If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered whether your child is really benefiting from these classes, this is the conversation you need to hear.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why mental health lessons don&rsquo;t always translate into healthier kids</li>
<li aria-level="1">The risk of programs that label or pathologise normal emotions</li>
<li aria-level="1">What research really shows about long-term impact</li>
<li aria-level="1">How parents and teachers can support mental wellbeing in practical, everyday ways</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"We can&rsquo;t just teach kids about mental health in theory &mdash; we have to live it with them in practice."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Happy Families Website</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/20/mental-health-lessons-school-dont-work-mindfulness">https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/20/mental-health-lessons-school-dont-work-mindfulness</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Ask your child what they really think about mental health classes at school.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Focus on daily connection &mdash; listening, empathy, and open conversations.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Model healthy coping strategies at home rather than relying only on school programs.</li>
</ol>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Do Mental Health Lessons in Schools Help Our Kids or Make Things Worse?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/bba78c39-0230-4f6e-a0a7-b33c00cd6408/transcript