Black students bring deep traditions of strength, joy and resilience, shaped by diverse cultures, histories, identities and lived experiences. While there is no single ‘Black experience’, culture, family, spirituality, creativity and community connection are widely recognized sources of healing and well-being. Mentally healthy schools recognize these strengths and intentionally create spaces where Black students are affirmed, supported and able to thrive. 

At the same time, Black student mental health cannot be separated from the social and historical context in which students live and learn. The ongoing impacts of anti-Black racism, systemic inequities, and underrepresentation across education and health systems continue to shape experiences of stress, exclusion and access to care. 

What the research tells us

• Positive racial identity, mentorship and cultural pride act as protective factors that promote confidence, achievement and well-being.
• Black youth in Canada are over-represented in school suspensions and exclusions; discipline practices that correlate with exclusion from learning environments are established risk factors for mental-health difficulties and educational disengagement, underscoring the importance of examining and eliminating racial bias in policies and practice. 
• Experiences of racism and discrimination have been shown to elevate risk for anxiety, depression, and trauma, highlighting the need for schools to actively prevent and respond to racism. 
• Schools that take an anti-racist, identity-affirming approach report higher levels of belonging, engagement and mental wellness among students. 

Why this is important 

Schools are uniquely positioned to make a difference. When educators and leaders recognize and actively address anti-Black racism, they help create learning spaces where Black students experience genuine belonging, safety and pride in who they are. 

Mentally healthy schools don’t just respond to mental health challenges – they work to remove barriers and build conditions that promote wellness for every student. By centring Black voices, celebrating identity and ensuring that supports are culturally relevant, schools can play a transformative role in advancing both equity and mental health. 

“I would say I want people to know that identity affirmation comes in many forms. It’s big things like having culturally diverse counsellors of colour that genuinely take time to understand us, or it could be everyday things like having a safe space to go where people don’t ask questions or give us looks. Or it could be smaller like trigger warnings… Overall, it’s giving space for every student…”  
– Ontario secondary student, 2025 

Supporting Black student wellness 

Mentally healthy schools create environments where Black students feel supported and celebrated. This includes: 

• addressing anti-Black racism through policy, practice and professional learning 
• building identity-affirming environments where Black students are represented and respected 
• celebrating cultural strengths rooted in family, heritage and creativity 
• partnering with Black community organizations to co-design meaningful supports 
• empowering student voice, ensuring Black youth help lead and shape mental health initiatives 

From awareness to action 

Fostering mentally healthy schools for Black students means moving beyond awareness–it requires meaningful action: 

• Review and revise school policies to remove systemic barriers. 
• Provide ongoing staff learning on anti-racism and culturally responsive practice. 
• Create welcoming spaces for self-expression, belonging and leadership. 
• Embed Black history, joy and excellence throughout learning – not just during Black History Month. 
• Support and elevate the voices of Black educators, staff and community partners. 

A shared responsibility 

Supporting Black student mental health is everyone’s responsibility: 

• School staff and leaders commit to ongoing reflection and anti-racism learning. 
• Schools nurture a culture of care, belonging and respect. 
• Families and communities collaborate to shape supports that reflect the needs and strengths of Black students. 
• Students are empowered to lead, share their stories and contribute to school well-being. 

By embracing anti-racist, identity-affirming approaches, schools can create the conditions for belonging and success for every Black student. 

Resources to support Black student mental health 

• Info sheet

Understanding Anti-Black Racism to Support Mental Health and Well-Being of Black and Racialized Students

• Guide/tool

Identity-Affirming School Mental Health Frame

• Tip sheet

Cultural Humility Self-Reflection Tool for School Staff

• Classroom resource

Learn, Think, Act: What Does Racism Have to do With Me? Poster

• Info sheet

Listen, Believe and Act: Support for Students Who Have Been Disproportionately Impacted in Schools

• Info sheet

Supporting Mentally Healthy Conversations About Anti-Black Racism With Students

Support 

If you or someone you know needs culturally relevant mental health support: 

• Black Youth Helpline 
  Culturally responsive support for Black children, youth and families across Canada. 
  Call 1-833-294-8650 or visit blackyouth.ca. 
• Across Boundaries 
  Provides mental health and wellness services for racialized communities using holistic, culturally rooted approaches. 
  Visit acrossboundaries.ca. 
• TAIBU Community Health Centre 
  Offers Afrocentric health, wellness, and community programs for Black individuals and families. 
  Visit taibuchc.ca. 
• Black Mental Health Canada 
  Connects families and individuals with Black-led organizations and culturally informed supports. 
  Visit blackmentalhealth.ca. 
• Kids Help Phone – Black Youth Support 
  24/7 bilingual counselling and text support tailored for Black youth. 
  Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.