M.H.F.
Psychologists masquerade as teacher assistants, observing the classroom and recess behavior of students. For one month of every third semester, these hard working social therapists pinpoint troubled areas within the social structures in the classroom. They meet privately with each student during the course of every semester to evaluate their progress. We went to Arizona where the “Mental Health First” plan has been in effect for almost six years. “We’ve minimized schoolyard bullying by forty percent in just the five years this system has been in place.” Pyson Elementary School Principle Sandy Govern stated positively. “The students all seem more adjusted and at ease with coming to school and facing each school day. Which can be daunting enough itself without any of the social pressures they might be dealing with here or in the home.” School shootings have decreased significantly, in fact they have almost diminished completely in state of Illinois, who were among the first in the nation to implement the “Mental Health First” Plan. “I used to be afraid to go to school when I was kid.” Illinois High School Sophomore Alex Raden explained. “I was scared to death to go to high school when it came time. I didn’t know what I was gonna do. Then they started the MHF and I was seeing a therapist on a daily basis for a while in fourth grade. Then by the time I was in eighth grade I was confident enough to enter high school without any, you know, like… Depression, or Anxiety about things. It was a pretty good experience. I’m glad they thought of it. We haven’t had an incident on campus since I came here. Not even a cafeteria food fight!” While not every parent and student are supporters of the MHF, the statics speak for themselves. Suicide among teens has dropped over sixty percent. Drug and alcohol abuse has dropped forty five percent. Teen pregnancy has fallen eighty percent. Low self esteem among most teens is no longer an issue, and more learning disabilities are being detected earlier. School drop out rates have fallen drastically, while grade averages on the whole are on the rise. “I don’t think it’s right for them to be psycho-analyzing my kid.” Charlene an irritated mother of four is not a supporter of the program being introduced into the school district this year. “How do I know what they are telling my kid in there? Are they blaming me for what’s wrong with them? I work three jobs to support these kids. When I come home I’m tired and I’m hungry. I don’t have the time to spend watching over these kids, like other mothers do. Why should I get blamed for doing the best I can? I know I’m not perfect!” Some students as well are opposed to the idea. “I don’t want anyone inside my head.” high school senior Mark Downson remarked. “It should be the parents job to teach their kids right from wrong, not the schools. It’s just, I feel, like it’s more government meddling where they don’t belong. I mean, there’s no way to escape them now, they’re even in schools. Like, where do you go to escape the government? Is there even a place?” While some do share his concerns the majority of people are more likely to want the results. Giving up your privacy for the sake of security and safety. Is it right or wrong? We will have to wait to find out. Until then the law is already in place as a national guideline. Noncomplying states and other counties are going to have to submit to the new guidelines before the deadline of August fourth next year. Otherwise they will be facing sharp penalties, some of which include cutting off public funding.Imagination Avolation
