Presenting Young Minds in a European Network of Teachers
Young Minds is travelling across Europe, reaching new audiences and inspiring teachers to bring mental health awareness into their classrooms!
In September 2026, members of Karpos-Centre for Media Education presented the Young Minds project to a European network of secondary school teachers, creating an opportunity to share experiences, explore new educational resources and discuss the importance of mental health in schools.
The meeting brought together teachers from Türkiye, Spain, France and Italy, who are actively engaging their students in Cinema Labs in their schools. The presentation introduced participants to the progress of the Young Minds project, its objectives and the educational materials developed to support teachers in addressing mental health through film and media education.
Exploring mental health through film
As part of the session, teachers watched a selection of short films and had the opportunity to pilot some of the Young Minds Lesson Plans. Through these activities, they explored how cinema can open up meaningful conversations about mental health, emotions and the challenges young people face in their everyday lives.
The practical activities encouraged participants to consider how the films and accompanying educational materials could be integrated into their own teaching practices. The discussion also provided an opportunity to exchange ideas, reflect on different classroom contexts and explore ways to adapt the resources to the needs of their students.
Creating space for conversations about mental health
Beyond the presentation and practical activities, the meeting opened up a broader discussion about the role of schools in promoting mental health and well-being. Teachers shared their reflections on the issues that arise among students and the challenges educators face when addressing sensitive topics in the classroom.
These conversations highlighted the importance of creating safe and supportive learning environments where young people feel encouraged to express themselves, share their experiences and better understand their emotions. Film can play a valuable role in this process, offering students a starting point for discussion and helping them approach complex subjects through stories, characters and different perspectives.
Connecting educators across Europe
Presenting Young Minds to this international network was another step towards expanding the project’s reach and encouraging the use of its educational resources beyond national borders. By connecting teachers from different European countries, the meeting reinforced the value of exchanging experiences and sharing approaches to mental health education.
Through its combination of film, discussion and practical learning activities, Young Minds aims to empower educators to bring mental health conversations into the classroom and help young people develop greater awareness, understanding and empathy.
The journey continues, building connections across Europe and inspiring new ways to use cinema as a tool for learning, dialogue and well-being!