What strategy would be most effective in promoting mental health among students?

Providing explicit instruction on coping skills is an effective strategy for promoting mental health among students because it equips them with tangible tools and methodologies that they can apply in real-life situations when faced with stress or emotional challenges. Coping skills training can foster resilience, enhance emotional regulation, and increase students’ overall well-being. By learning specific skills to manage anxiety, frustration, or sadness, students can develop a proactive approach to mental health that empowers them to navigate difficulties more effectively.

In comparison, while distributing symptom information sheets may raise awareness, it does not actively engage students or offer them practical techniques to handle their emotions. Facilitating peer discussion opportunities can foster community and support but might not provide structured guidance or specific skills. Integrating arts activities into the curriculum can also be beneficial for mental health, serving as a creative outlet, yet it may not directly teach coping strategies that students can apply in their daily lives. Thus, explicit instruction on coping skills stands out as the most direct and impactful approach to enhancing students' mental health.