Brazil expands mental‑health prevention with gambling‑risk guide and school pilot program

The State Council for Drug Policies of Mato Grosso do Sul (CEAD/MS) released an educational booklet titled “Bets & Saúde Mental – O que você pode fazer para se proteger das apostas online.” Developed with Unigran Capital academics, the guide targets young people, families and educators to raise awareness of online gambling’s financial and psychological harms. It will be distributed free to schools and other institutions throughout the state.

In Gramado, Rio Grande do Sul, the municipal health service (Caesm) introduced a pilot mental‑health curriculum for sixth‑grade students. Based on cognitive‑behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices, the program offers group activities to build self‑knowledge, emotional regulation, empathy and problem‑solving skills. Evaluations will be conducted before and after the intervention to inform possible wider rollout.

Both initiatives reflect a broader effort in Brazil to address mental‑health risks among youths through preventative education and school‑based interventions.