The pandemic's ripple effects have washed over educators and students alike, leaving educators and students grappling with new realities. Mental health, once a simmering concern, has boiled over into a crisis demanding proactive solutions. A CDC study paints a grim picture: over 40% of students drowning in persistent sadness or hopelessness, and nearly 30% wrestling with broader mental health concerns. Educators are urgently searching for preventative strategies to bolster student well-being. The time for reactive approaches is over. A proactive, comprehensive mental health framework is the only way to navigate the challenges of our modern world and ensure every student thrives.
STOPit reports significant increases in incidents among its clients during the past year. See the data below.
Educators can’t turn away from the challenges of mental health in schools. With student mental health concerns at an all-time high, we can all agree this must be a top priority in 2024.
Lower academic success is part of the fallout from not prioritizing mental health in schools. Students with mental health issues have higher drop-out rates, increased absences, poor grades, and overall lower educational outcomes. Other outcomes are even more devastating. We need only look at the rising suicide rate among young people, where it is the second leading cause of death among youth aged 10-25.
Children face more stressors than ever before, which can trigger or worsen mental health issues. These factors include:
Reports of bullying are highest in middle schools (28%), followed by high schools (16%), and primary schools (9%). Social media, cell phones, and digital communications have added to this serious problem. Nearly half of U.S. teens report having been bullied or harassed online. Preventing bullying is a continuous process, not a one-time event. By incorporating these strategies into your daily practice, you can create a school environment where all students feel safe, respected, and empowered to thrive.
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According to the NIH (National Institutes of Mental Health), students who have inadequate food, financial means, housing, transportation, communication, and medical care are more likely to experience poor mental and physical health, as well as lower academic performance than peers who do have these disadvantages. Here are three ways to make a difference. Small actions can make a big difference. By becoming a resource hub, fostering open communication, and ensuring that the community can access resources, educators can play a critical role in ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
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Loneliness is associated with poor academic outcomes, along with bullying, substance abuse, and depression. Adolescents who reported they are lonely are more likely to drop out of school at 16 years old. Here are four strategies you can use to create a safe and supportive environment where every student feels valued, connected, and empowered to thrive.
Discretely explore the situation by reaching out to students who appear isolated.
Suicide prevention is a crucial topic, and nowhere is it more important than in schools. As educators, we have the opportunity to be trusted adults in the lives of our students, potentially playing a vital role in identifying and supporting those struggling with suicidal thoughts. However, navigating this sensitive topic requires both awareness and caution. Remember, we are not mental health professionals; our primary goal is to connect students with the appropriate resources when needed. Here are three ways we can recognize potential warning signs and offer support:
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Parent involvement has been shown to contribute to positive academic achievement, greater emotional and behavioral strengths, improved parent-teacher and teacher-student relationships, and fewer health risk behaviors, such as substance abuse. The school environment can provide a safe haven.
Whether they have a diagnosis or not, students can learn how to control their emotions better, empathize with others, embrace persistence, and think creatively. Emotional skills also foster soft skills, such as collaboration and communication.
Building a community that supports positive mental health in schools requires the participation of students, educators, local businesses, community leaders, and other area resources. It is critical to develop mutually acceptable goals and plans.
Many resources and hotlines are available, including some focused on specific populations, such as the LGBTQ community. Schools can promote the availability of resources and provide direct connections to appropriate school and community help resources. National mental health hotlines and resources include:
National grants are available for local school districts, such as those below. States also have programs to support school mental health initiatives. Find out more from these national agencies:
While fostering strong parent, school, and community connections is the cornerstone of supporting student mental health in schools, technology can be a valuable ally. New technologies are not meant to replace human interaction and support. However, they can effectively complement these efforts with thoughtful integration.
Types of tools to consider include:
The best way for students to succeed is by being valued in a safe, nurturing school community that values diversity and differences. Our communities rely on us to address mental health in schools, and it’s a priority we must take seriously in 2024 and beyond—with investment, training, and building relationships with parents and the community.