New Jersey Law Requires School Districts to Instruct Students on Grief and Loss
Trenton, New Jersey – Governor Phil Murphy signed S3330/A5015, which requires school districts to provide instruction on grief as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. Under the bill, New Jersey’s public schools will be required to provide instruction for students in grades 8 through 12 on, at a minimum, the physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms of grief; coping mechanisms and techniques for handling grief and loss; and the resources available to students, including in-school support, mental-health crisis support, and individual and group therapy.
“Grief can be a debilitating experience that lasts a lifetime when not addressed properly,” said Murphy. “Having lost my parents, other family members, dear friends and loved ones, I understand the pain grief can hold on a person. It is my hope that prioritizing the teaching of grief and loss in schools will provide students with the tools and resources they need to cope with the challenges of life.”
Additionally, the state’s Department of Education will be required to provide school districts with age-appropriate resources concerning grief. The bill will take effect immediately and requires the State Board of Education to adopt standards pertaining to grief concurrent with the five-year review and update cycle of the content areas.
“The alarming rise in anxiety, depression and hopelessness among students aged 12 to 17 underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to support their mental health,” said George R. Kelder, CEO and executive director of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association (NJSFDA).
Recognizing this pressing concern, Kelder said the NJSFDA advocated for the passage and enactment of the bills that are now New Jersey law. “This legislation aims to equip our vulnerable students with a comprehensive understanding of loss and grief, providing essential tools to navigate and cope with the profound impact of losing someone close to them,” he said.
“By supporting this bill, the NJSFDA believes that the state can take a significant step toward fostering the emotional well-being of our youth and creating a more resilient and empathetic community,” Kelder added.
Dr. Alan D. Wolfelt, who is recognized as one of North America’s leading death educators and grief counselors, said, “I often say any child old enough to love is old enough to mourn.”
With the current mental health challenges facing our youth, Wolfelt, who is founder and director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition and author of Companioning the Grieving Child, sees the law as an excellent initiative. “To be able to familiarize students from grades 8 to 12 surrounding grief will help them better understand what they are experiencing when loss impacts their lives,” he said. “In learning about grief they will be more likely to seek the support they need and deserve. When children and teens carry grief into their adult lives without being able to actively mourn they risk living in what I call ‘the shadow of the ghosts of grief.’
“I applaud this initiative in New Jersey and hope more states will advocate to get this into their curriculums,” he added.
The bill has received enthusiastic reaction from across the funeral service spectrum. Michael A. Lanotte, executive director of the New York State Funeral Directors Association, said that providing resources to individuals who have suffered a loss, especially children, is an extremely important part of dealing with grief and healing from the loss.
He called the New Jersey measure “a step in the right direction” and added: “Our charitable organization, the Tribute Foundation, recognizing the need for resources and support for children who have lost a parent or sibling, has partnered with the National Alliance for Grief to work on this issue. Our partnership has already netted positive results, and we are eager to continue our work with them on this important topic. We will review and monitor the changes in New Jersey as we remain committed to exploring all possible options in this arena.”
Heather Pace, executive director of the Arizona Cremation, Cemetery and Funeral Association, also viewed the New Jersey legislation as a very positive step. “Being the mom/stepmom of five teens who have experienced loss in their lives, I completely understand that teens may not show classic ‘sadness’ – anger, withdrawal or even recklessness can be signs of grief,” she said. “Addressing grief in schools is crucial for teenagers who may struggle to recognize or express their emotions. Providing coping strategies and resources can make a significant difference in their emotional well-being.”
“Kudos to Governor Murphy and all the sponsors for prioritizing the mental health of our youth,” Pace added. “This is a vital step toward creating a more resilient and empathetic community, and I hope that more states follow suit in the social and emotional well-being of our youth. I don’t doubt that our board and membership would support something similar.”
BIPARTISAN SUPPORT
The prime sponsors of the New Jersey bill are Senator Jon Bramnick and Assemblyman Reginald Atkins. Other primary sponsors include Senator Joseph Cryan, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, and Assemblyman Sterley Stanley.
“Today codifies a pivotal moment in New Jersey’s commitment to holistic education,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, acting commissioner of education. “The enactment of legislation integrating grief instruction into the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education is another stride in addressing the emotional needs of every student. Providing the resources to navigate grief empowers youth to be compassionate and resilient, fostering a more compassionate and supportive learning environment, while also preparing New Jersey students for success.”
“Loss of a parent or sibling can have a significant impact on mental health. Hopefully, by providing information about the impact of loss and grief, young people will have a better understanding of the grieving process,” said Senator Bramnick.
“Far too often, people don’t know what to say to someone who is grieving or how to support a friend or loved one who has suffered a loss,” said Assemblyman Atkins. “Now, thanks to A5015, students will receive the instructional tools and grief support they need to comfort their family and friends through difficult periods. I’m proud that the governor has signed this important legislation, and I know that it will benefit students beyond the classroom.”
“The youth mental-health crisis is real, and it is troubling,” said Senator Cryan. “Their exposure to stress, loss and trauma has increased in recent years, making them more vulnerable to the negative consequences that can impact their lives. Making them aware of the symptoms of trauma, informing them of available resources, offering coping techniques, and giving them the opportunity to express their grief can make a real difference in their health and well-being. In fact, it can save lives.”
“Confronting grief can be difficult at any age, but particularly for middle and high school students who are already dealing with the pressures that come with being a teenager,” said Assemblywoman Carter. “This legislation is designed to ensure that students in eighth grade and high school are taught age-appropriate coping mechanisms and provided vital resources that will help them process their grief or loss.”
“Requiring schools to integrate instruction on grief into the curriculum acknowledges the profound impact that addressing emotional health can have on academic and personal development,” said Assemblyman Stanley. “By giving students the tools to navigate the complex emotions that surround grief and loss, we are not only ensuring they can be more resilient but also equipping them with skills to navigate life’s challenges and uncertainties.”
Lindsay Cullinan Schambach, executive director of Imagine, said: “The passing of the grief bill is an act of partnership and a significant step toward supporting our children by normalizing grief in our communities. According to the Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model, one out of 13 children in the state of New Jersey is expected to experience the death of a parent or sibling before the age of 18. It’s crucial for us to provide spaces and opportunities for our children throughout the state to have a better understanding of their experience and the experience of others in a supportive environment. We want our children to know they are not alone in their grief. Imagine is ready and honored to partner with the Department of Education, school districts, teachers and parents/caregivers to support this shift in our state and to serve as models for other states to join the movement.”
“Childhood grief is a real issue, and one in 12 children experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18,” said Mark Durham, executive director of Good Grief. “Children often experience isolation after the death of a mother, father, sister or brother, and grief-education programs teach resiliency skills to handle loss and adversity. We applaud Governor Murphy for signing this important legislation and are grateful to Senator Bramnick for his leadership on this issue.”
MBJ
Reprinted with permission from the January 11, 2024, edition of the Memorial Business journal, a publication of the National Funeral Directors Association.