New State Requirement - Rule 6A-1.094121: Mental and Emotional Health Education 

(1) School districts must annually provide a minimum of five (5) hours of instruction to students in grades 6-12 related to youth mental health awareness and assistance, including suicide prevention and the impacts of substance abuse; 

(2) Using the health education standards adopted in Rule 6A-1.09401, F.A.C., Student Performance Standards, the instruction for youth mental and emotional health will advance each year through developmentally appropriate instruction and skill building and must address, at a minimum, the following topics:  

• Recognition of signs and symptoms of mental health disorders 
• Prevention of mental health disorders 
• Mental health awareness and assistance 
• How to reduce the stigma around mental health disorders 
• Awareness of resources (school, local and community) 
• The process of accessing treatment 
• Strategies to develop healthy coping strategies 
• Strategies for supporting friends, family or peers with mental health disorders 
• Prevention of suicide 

Prevention of abuse and addiction to alcohol, nicotine, and drugs.