Universal mental health curricula in public schools: Integrating mental health into physical education

Abstract

Mental health problems are ubiquitous, yet public schooling lacks comprehensive mental health curricula. The purpose of public education, in part, is to prepare people to face life and contribute to society. In the same vein as physical education (PE), we argue that a universal mental health curriculum could benefit the entire population. Schools across the globe, including in the United States, are beginning to explore universal mental health curricula, which could yield benefits that reach beyond mental health and wellness, to improve physical health, reduce behavioral problems, and increase academic performance. But the road ahead is marked with considerable economic and political barriers. We argue for incorporating mental health into the PE curriculum to gain traction toward a more comprehensive mental health curriculum.