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For Educators to Support Children and Teens

Schools are where children and teens make friends, practice social skills, and build confidence—all important factors in mental health, drug, and alcohol issues. Learn about how schools can prevent these issues and support students already experiencing them.

Schools can:

If your school has experienced violence or a disaster, learn how to recognize the signs of traumatic stress in children and teens and how to help.

Find more resources on how schools can take action.

Activities and Lessons for Teachers

Having a safe classroom is important for helping students to learn and grow. Here are some tips for a supportive classroom: 

  • Ask your students how they are feeling 
  • Teach journal writing 
  • Let students take breaks 
  • Help students identify their emotions 
  • Teach healthy coping skills 

There are also resources to help educate tweens and teens (grades 6 through 12) on mental health, drug, and alcohol issues.

Lesson Plans:

Search for other lesson plans including ones on stimulant, tobacco, methamphetamine, and other drugs.

Resources for teachers and school staff

Share resources with your community

SAMHSA’s national youth substance use prevention campaign, Talk. They Hear You helps parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action to prevent underage drinking and drug use.

Your school can also help promote 988, a free 24/7 helpline for staffed with trained counselors.

Last Updated: 08/19/2024