State Rep. Brian Munroe Proposes Bill to Address Youth Mental Health Crisis

HARRISBURG, Pa. — State Rep. Brian Munroe, D-Bucks, is taking action to address the growing mental health crisis among young people with a new bill that would require schools to provide training on suicide prevention, violence prevention, and social inclusion.

The proposed legislation, known as the Safety and Violence Education (SAVE) Students Act, aims to equip students in grades six through twelve with the tools to recognize and report signs of depression, self-harm, and potential violence.

“The American Psychological Association estimates that nearly one in five children experience symptoms of anxiety,” Munroe stated. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the rates of childhood depression and anxiety have significantly increased.” The SAVE Students Act would require schools to dedicate at least one hour, or a standard class period, each year to this training.

“As the occurrence of school violence and self-inflicted harm becomes more frequent, we must take steps to protect our children and intervene before irreversible tragedies occur,” Munroe said. “Research has proven that these trainings are effective in reducing school violence and other at-risk behaviors and provide necessary interventions for students who need help.”

The initiative is modeled after similar programs implemented in Louisiana and Ohio and is backed by Sandy Hook Promise, an organization led by the families of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Research has shown that such training reduces school violence and promotes early intervention for at-risk students.

“We can work together with schools, staff, students, and parents to create more socially inclusive school environments to assist students who could be at-risk for self-harm or school violence-related behaviors,” Munroe said.

Munroe is calling on fellow legislators to support the SAVE Students Act, urging bipartisan cooperation to prioritize student mental health and safety. “Please consider co-sponsoring this legislation to require schools to provide essential training that will save lives and teach our students about the importance of reducing school violence through social inclusion and early intervention efforts.”