Bipartisan legislation requiring school districts to teach students how to cope with grief and loss was unanimously passed by the New Jersey State Senate.
The bill (S-3330), sponsored by State Sens. Jon Bramnick (R-21) and Joseph Cryan (D-20), would mandate public school districts to add instruction on grief for students in grades eight through twelve as part of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.
Bramnick, who worked with Imagine, a Center for Coping with Loss on the legislation, noted grief is one of the hardest emotions to understand and manage as an adolescent.
Helping High School Students
“Although grief and loss are difficult for any person to go through, we have the tools to teach kids healthy ways to cope and teachers who are eager to provide support,” said the Republican lawmaker.
“This legislation ensures that our high school students learn how to effectively manage the physical, emotional, and behavioral impacts of grief.”
Bill Specifics
Under the bill, the State Board of Education would adopt the new learning standards and require the Commissioner of Education to provide age-appropriate resources to public school districts. This includes information on mechanisms and techniques to use while dealing with the symptoms of grief.
Public school districts also be instructed to provide in-school support, mental health crisis support, and individual and group therapy for students as well.
Cryan sees the bill as an outgrowth of legislators’ efforts dealing with the youth mental health crisis that “is real and troubling.”
Addressing Mental Health Crisis
“Their exposure to stress, loss and trauma has increased in recent years, making them more vulnerable to negative consequences that, in some cases, can be tragic,” said the Democratic Senator. “Making them aware of the impact of trauma, offering coping techniques, and informing them of other helpful resources can make a difference.
“Giving them the opportunity to express their grief is a real benefit.”
The Senate passed the law by a 36-0 vote.
This is a sensible bill, but I find it really sad that it is needed. Grief should be a rare thing for school-age kids, but clearly it is quite common these days. What a world!