Kids' Mental Health: Schools Matter More Than We Thought

A recent study reveals that schools did more than just teach lessons during the pandemic. They played a crucial role in keeping kids' mental health in check.

Key Findings

• Study Scope: Over 185,700 kids in California
• Benefits of Early Reopening: Kids who returned to school sooner experienced fewer mental health issues, including:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• ADHD

Gender Differences

• Girls Benefited More: Female students saw greater improvements in mental health post-reopening.

Positive Outcomes

• Reduction in Diagnoses: Mental health diagnoses decreased after schools reopened.
• Lower Costs: Spending on mental health care and medications also dropped.

Why Schools Made a Difference

The pandemic disrupted many aspects of kids' lives:

• Social Isolation: Missed opportunities to socialize with friends.
• Sleep Disruptions: Haywire sleep schedules.
• Increased Screen Time: A significant rise in screen usage.
• Poor Eating Habits: Unhealthy eating patterns.
• Learning Challenges: Difficulties in learning.
• Limited Access to Services: Harder to access mental health services.

Home Environment

Being stuck at home, especially in households where parents lost jobs, likely exacerbated mental health issues.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of keeping schools open safely. Schools are not just for learning; they serve as a vital support system for kids' mental well-being.