SWATCA 2025 - South Western Alberta Teachers' Convention

With more than 42% of students feeling persistently sad or hopeless, and 22% seriously considered suicide, it’s fair to say mental health has become an epidemic for teenagers (CDC 2021)! This struggle is spilling into classrooms and making teaching harder than ever. Vaping, risky behaviours, absenteeism, substance abuse, failing grades are all symptoms of a much bigger problem: our students are seriously struggling. If not addressed now, these mental health problems will follow them into adulthood. The trouble is teenagers are more insecure and less able to cope than ever before. Even with effective limitations, social media is the 24/7 comparison device that never places them on the winning side of unrealistic standards. Parenting coach and teen advocate, Aly Pain explains how the immature emotional filter interprets even the most innocuous comments and twists them into harsh criticism. She discusses how teachers can help students develop the emotional aptitude and resilience needed to grow into healthy, happy adults. Key Take-Aways: · The Pressure to be Perfect – Aly talks about where the drive to be perfect is coming from and how teachers and parents can support their success without pushing performance. · Not the WHAT But the WHY – Aly discusses the importance of shifting away from focusing on the bad behaviours to understanding the reasons behind these coping mechanisms. · Compassion over Consequences – Aly shares why consequences rarely work on teenagers and how empathy can help overcome relationship struggles and unlock their internal motivation.