A new school subject in Copenhagen is pioneering mental health education for high school students. The program, called “Viden om Væren” or “Knowledge of Being,” is currently being piloted at Danish schools across the city, aiming to build emotional resilience and well-being. Funded as part of the city’s 2025 budget, the initiative is expected to reach up to 50 classes.
New Subject Puts Mental Health on the Curriculum in Danish Schools
Copenhagen is taking a bold step in youth education by introducing a new school subject that focuses on mental well-being. The initiative, “Viden om Væren,” or “Knowledge of Being,” has been rolled out at multiple youth education institutions across the city. The course is designed to give students tools to reflect on their thoughts, bodies, and emotions, with the aim of improving their overall mental health and quality of life.
The program went into pilot mode in September with nine classes participating from two institutions: four from SOSU-H (a social and healthcare college) and five from Christianshavns Gymnasium. More schools are joining the experiment in the coming weeks, including Youth School Hovmestervej, the School for Dental Assistants and Hygienists, and NEXT Sukkertoppen.
By early next year, the Copenhagen Municipality expects the pilot to reach approximately 50 high school classes across 10 to 12 educational institutions in the city.
Shifting the Approach at Danish Schools to Teen Mental Health
This new subject stems from a broader effort to address concerns about the mental well-being of young people. While recent years have seen multiple initiatives focused on improving youth mental health, this program aims to go one step further. Instead of only addressing mental health issues as they arise, “Knowledge of Being” seeks to equip students with preventative knowledge and lifelong tools for managing emotional ups and downs.
The subject introduces students to core concepts such as “thoughts,” “feelings,” “body and psyche,” “identity,” and “boundaries and safety.” Using open discussions, hands-on exercises, and shared reflection, the course encourages a deeper awareness of both the self and others. Rather than being a scientific or theoretical study alone, the focus is on experience-based learning in a classroom setting. The classes consist of 4 to 5 modules, each 90 minutes long, with a strong emphasis on group participation.
Backed by Experts and Tailored Resources
The teaching materials and delivery are managed by AVi, a private organization specializing in mental health and youth development. The course has been crafted by experienced educators and clinical psychologists with a strong background in adolescent psychological care.
To measure long-term outcomes and boost the program’s effectiveness, participating teachers and guidance counselors are also receiving supplementary training. This not only enhances their ability to support students during the program but ensures they can carry forward key methods and insights into broader academic life.
A Pilot Funded by the City of Copenhagen
The mental health curriculum is part of the Copenhagen Municipality’s 2025 budget strategy, with a dedicated allocation of 2.4 million Danish kroner over two years. While participation is optional for schools, the pilot has drawn strong interest from institutions eager to find innovative solutions to student mental wellness.
The Danish schools choose whether to participate in the program and determine which classes will be enrolled. The city has made it clear that the program is a flexible supplement, not a mandatory addition to the existing curriculum.
Digital Tools Boost Continued Learning
In addition to the classroom experience, students gain access to specially designed digital tools that encourage them to reflect further on what they’ve learned. These tools also provide a way for students to engage with the material outside school hours, reinforcing key concepts and promoting ongoing mental resilience.
To further support students, teachers are being trained in using these resources and incorporating them into their regular guidance efforts. This means students have consistent support both inside and outside the dedicated mental health sessions.
Looking Ahead
Following the pilot period, the municipality will evaluate outcomes and determine whether to expand the program citywide. If successful, “Knowledge of Being” could help shift how Denmark and other countries approach mental health education for youth.
Given growing international concern over adolescent well-being, Copenhagen’s approach may offer a valuable model for preventive, experience-based learning designed not only to treat but to build emotional strength and understanding early in life.
