Poll Shows Changing Attitudes Toward Health Education

A new poll released this morning shows parents are okay with their kids learning about sex, drugs and drinking, but a majority also want their children to be taught about emotional and mental health issues.

The University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital national poll shows despite wanting their children to learn about topics like depression, bullying and stress, only about one-third of those surveyed said those subjects are currently covered at their child’s school.

The survey also shows nearly seven in ten parents want to see schools cover basic first aid and CPR.

Nearly 40-percent also believe schools should educate students on how to use the health care system.

Co-director of the poll, Sarah Clark, says there are increasing concerns about suicide, stress and depression and parents want schools to be part of the solution.

But Clark says schools face significant barriers in expanding their formal health education curriculum due to finances.