New modules for grade 6 students teach strategies to support safe and healthy choices
The Ministry of Education has launched new substance use and digital safety modules for Grade 6 students in Ontario schools.
These two educator-delivered modules were developed by School Mental Health Ontario and include input from trusted partners, including MediaSmarts, Ophea, CAMH, SickKids, and Public Health. The modules also reflect the voices of educators, students, parents/caregivers and community and cultural partners who shaped the content to ensure it is relevant, evidence-based and culturally responsive.
Two modules, one goal: healthy choices
The new Healthy Choices modules are:
- Digital Safety: Safe and healthy personal choices
- Substance Use: Addictions and related behaviours
The modules are designed to support existing expectations within the Health and Physical Education and Language curricula. Through engaging slide decks, short videos, and teacher-friendly discussion prompts, the modules help students continue to build knowledge and skills to navigate common but complex experiences related to substance use and digital engagement.
The modules are available in the Ministry’s Virtual Learning Environment and are supported by implementation resources from School Mental Health Ontario.
These resources include:
- a ready-to-share promotional video
- key messages and a newsletter-ready article
- complementary resources for educators
- a school administrator info sheet
- editable slide decks for various audiences
- a communication kit
- self-directed webinars from partners at MediaSmarts and Ophea
Strengthening mental health literacy from an early age
Students in grade 6 are growing in their independence. Ontario schools can help students continue to develop the confidence, skills and strategies they need to support their own well-being and learn ways to make safe and informed decisions.
The Healthy Choices modules and implementation supports align with the School Mental Health Strategy, which prioritizes mental health and substance use health literacy, student leadership and identity-affirming mental health promotion. Equipping students with factual, evidence-informed information about mental health, balanced device use, and substance use health, sets them up well for current and future decision-making that supports their personal wellness.
Want to learn more?
School staff, please connect with your board’s mental health leadership team to access the modules and board mobilizer kit.
Together, we can help every student make informed, healthy choices.