By Your Side – Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health
Parents and caregivers want their children to be physically and mentally healthy, and already have many effective tools and strategies in place.
By Your Side recognizes the expertise of parents and caregivers and offers resources to support learning and strengthen mental health and well-being in every family.
At times, there can be moments where it's hard to know how best to support your child’s mental health, and just as challenging to know what to do when those concerns arise. By Your Side, developed by School Mental Health Ontario in collaboration with mental health professionals, school staff, and parents/caregivers across Ontario, was created to help.
This trusted online hub offers identity-affirming, culturally responsive, and evidence-informed information about child and youth mental health and addictions. Families can access practical tools, videos, and guidance to help better understand mental health and support wellbeing at home and in partnership with schools.
- Research shows that learning about mental health can help parents:
- Recognize early signs of concern (Davidson, 2019),
- Identify when professional support may be needed (Cormier et al., 2020),
- Provide effective support linked to improved wellbeing for children and youth (Green et al., 2024).
Students have also emphasized the importance of informed caregivers. In the HearNowON Student Voice Report, youth shared that they want the adults in their lives to learn more about mental health so they can better support them at school, at home, and in their communities.
By Your Side offers a trusted place to start.
Click here to access the latest resources available to parents and caregivers on topics such as:
- Understanding mental health
- Promoting mental health at home
- Supporting mental health at school
- Stress and anxiety management
- Substance use prevention
- Navigating digital technology use
- Reaching out for help