It’s a sobering statistic. According to the Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM), 1 out of 13 children in New Jersey is expected to experience the death of a parent or sibling before age 18. Such a loss can cause depression, isolation, lack of resiliency, the potential for substance abuse and possibly the contemplation of suicide.
Parents in New Jersey will soon gain assistance in helping their kids cope, since students in grades 8-12 will get instruction on how to handle grief, according to legislation signed by Governor Phil Murphy.
Senate Bill S3330/A5015 requires school districts to provide instruction on grief as part of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. Under the bill, New Jersey’s public schools will target students in grades 8-12, and address the physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms of grief; coping mechanisms and techniques for handling grief and loss; and resources available to students, including in-school support, mental health crisis support, and individual and group therapy.
“Grief can be a debilitating experience that lasts a lifetime when not addressed properly,” says Governor Murphy. “Having lost my parents, other family members, dear friends, and loved ones, I understand the pain grief can hold on a person. It is my hope that prioritizing the teaching of grief and loss in schools will provide students with the tools and resources they need to cope with the challenges of life.”
There’s already a youth mental health crisis, and the pandemic made things harder. The bill takes effect immediately and will be available starting with the 2024-25 school year.
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Read More:
How To Cope With Grief During the Holidays
A Free Mental Health Crisis Hotline Helps Kids Feel Heard
NJ College Students Have Access to Free Mental Health Services