In this session individuals will discuss and unpack mental health challenges emerging in elementary aged youth. After reviewing startling facts and statistics, we will engage in meaningful discussion regarding the reasons for this rise, how this may manifest itself in the child, the implications on the individual’s mental health as they grow older, and how we as teachers, counsellors and concerned communities can defeat this trend. We will uncover the effectiveness of such ideas as play therapy, relationship building, emotional control and the effect of the information highway on brains still in development. When we leave this session we will have some practical ideas on how to assist younger individuals and their families with increasing their positive mental health.
