Prioritizing Mental Wellbeing in Schools: A Hope for Change
Published 13 December 2024
“I hope the American public school system changes in a way that makes school less stressful for students. Right now, there are so many worries on the shoulders of young people that often school can be overwhelming, or not feel like a safe space, or be a trigger for having to think about many uncomfortable truths about the world––like high stakes standardized testing to school shootings, to bullying online, to you name it! There are so many things that are more complex for young people today in school that I really hope the teachers and administrators in the future work together to prioritize what we can do to effectively address those issues.”
The American public school system is meant to be a sanctuary for learning, growth, and discovery. Yet, for many students, it has become a source of stress rather than inspiration. Between the pressures of high-stakes standardized testing, the looming fear of school violence, and the pervasive challenges of online bullying, the mental wellbeing of young people in schools is at significant risk. To ensure schools remain safe and empowering spaces, educators, administrators, and policymakers must make mental health a top priority.
The Modern Stressors of School Life
Students today face challenges that extend beyond the classroom. A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted that mental health issues among adolescents have surged, with over one-third of high school students reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (CDC, 2023). The complex social landscape—–marked by cyberbullying and social media pressures—–compounds this crisis, creating environments where students feel overwhelmed rather than supported.
Teachers, too, are experiencing burnout at unprecedented levels. A report from the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) found that 61% of educators felt emotionally exhausted, citing increased workloads and systemic pressures as significant contributors (AFT, 2022). When teachers are stretched too thin, it becomes even harder to support students effectively.
Strategies for a Healthier Future
To combat these issues, schools must adopt proactive measures that address the root causes of stress for both students and teachers. Here are some research-backed strategies:
Integrate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): SEL helps students develop skills to manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions. Research by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) has shown that SEL programs can improve students’ academic performance and reduce emotional distress (CASEL, 2023). Learn more at https://casel.org
Reduce High-Stakes Testing Pressure: While assessments are necessary, the current emphasis on standardized tests can detract from meaningful learning. Alfie Kohn, in The Case Against Standardized Testing, argues for more holistic evaluation methods that emphasize creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration over rote memorization (Kohn, 2000). Learn more at https://www.alfiekohn.org
Create Trauma-Informed Classrooms: Many students enter schools carrying the weight of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Trauma-informed practices help educators understand and respond to these challenges. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) provides resources for implementing these strategies to foster safer, more inclusive classrooms (NCTSN, 2022). Learn more at https://nctsn.org
Invest in Mental Health Resources: Schools must employ trained counselors, social workers, and psychologists who can provide students with the support they need. A review by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) found that comprehensive mental health services can significantly improve school climate and student outcomes (NASP, 2021). Learn more at https://www.nasponline.org
A Shared Responsibility
Creating a less stressful school environment is not just the responsibility of teachers. Administrators, parents, and policymakers must work collaboratively to develop systems that prioritize mental health and make schools safer and more inclusive. By recognizing and addressing these challenges, we can create an educational system where students and teachers alike feel supported and empowered to thrive. By addressing these issues head-on, we can ensure that education becomes the empowering and inspiring journey it is meant to be.
Discussion Question
What steps can schools take to balance academic expectations with the mental health needs of students and teachers, and how can we work collaboratively as a community to implement these changes effectively?
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Youth Risk Behavior Survey: Data summary & trends report 2011–2021. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm
Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). (2023). What is SEL? Retrieved from https://casel.org
Kohn, A. (2000). The case against standardized testing: Raising the scores, ruining the schools. Heinemann. Retrieved from https://www.alfiekohn.org
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). (2022). Trauma-informed schools. Retrieved from https://nctsn.org
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). (2021). The importance of school mental health services. Retrieved from https://www.nasponline.org
