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School is an important place for teens to get educated, develop their social skills and stay connected to their community. However, school is also a large contributor to teenage mental health problems.
Many students report academic pressure as the number one stressor on their mental health.
Without proper support from parents, teachers and the community, the negative effects of school can lead to mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety.
The Challenges of Being In School
School can be a great place for teens to grow and set up their success for the future. However, it also comes with a number of challenges that can cause mental health issues. The challenges of being in school can range from homework, exams, the desire to fit in, home instability, financial and community stressors.
For teens growing up in communities with higher levels of poverty, violence or drug abuse, the challenges of school grow even higher. Many schools in low-income communities are underfunded and do not have the resources or enough staff to support students with their mental health.
Technology and social media also make the lives of today’s teens more challenging. For teens that do virtual schooling, which became popular after the pandemic, teens may be more isolated and have less face to face interaction. If they do not have a support system at home making sure they are on track, they could fall behind.
What Causes Mental Health Issues in Students?
The challenges of school cannot be understated. It’s important for educators, parents and community leaders to understand the unique causes of mental health problems among students in order to provide them with support.
Pressure to Perform
Pressure to perform in academics or sports can raise anxiety and impact teen mental health. This could be from parents, coaches or teachers.
Peer Pressure
Teens naturally want to fit in with their peers. Sometimes social pressure can lead to teens doing things they wouldn’t normally do or that go against their own values. This can cause identity confusion and impact their self-esteem.
Bullying
Teens who deal with bullying of any sort (physical bullying, online bullying, verbal harassment, gossip, rumors or exclusion) may feel isolated from other students and can suffer from higher rates of depression.
Social Media
Teens are more connected than ever, which has its benefits. On the other hand, social media platforms can also make teens more vulnerable to cyberbullying and low self-esteem.
Lack of Sleep
Teens need proper rest and 8-10 hours of sleep to perform at their best. Unfortunately, many students do not get enough. Lack of sleep can increase underlying mental health problems, reduce concentration, and even damage their physical health.
Unstable Home Life
Teens without a stable home environment may have extra barriers to succeeding in school and higher rates of mental health disorders. Teenagers that come from poverty or experience trauma in the home have on average lower grade point averages and earlier dropout rates. It’s important for school districts and teachers to be mindful of these issues in order to provide extra educational support or resources.
How to Help Students Improve Their Mental Health
It’s normal for parents to want their teen to succeed in school, but they should stay mindful that high pressure during the development years can increase stress and the risk of mental health problems.
Parents should motivate their children to try their best, but still prioritize their mental health. Some tips for parents to help their teens improve their mental health include:
- Active listening and validating the challenges teens face in school. Many adults believe teens have nothing to worry about, but being a non-judgemental ear that listens to them can go a long way in building trust and an open-line of communication
- Help your teen build a study schedule and ensure they have support at home for academics (a quiet space, flashcards, help with homework, tutoring if necessary)
- Promote activities in the home that increase mindfulness and reduce stress. These could include yoga, meditation, hiking, journaling, etc
- Make sure your teen gets enough sleep. Develop a routine with them that promotes good sleep hygiene such as shutting down phones a couple hours before bedtime, and having them do relaxation techniques
- Have open conversations around mental health in the home
- Keep an open-line of communication with school staff, teachers, coaches and anyone else in your teen’s life
Seeking Professional Help
If you identify warning signs of mental health problems in your teen, reach out for professional support to help find the best plan of treatment.
At Clearfork Academy our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understands the complex nature of mental health disorders in teens. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more.
Sources
Steare, Thomas. (2023). The association between academic pressure and adolescent mental health problems: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders.
Leslie received a Bachelor of Arts from Texas Tech University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. Leslie approaches clinical work through the lens of person-centered and utilizes techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Theory. As a leader, Leslie values the relationship she has with her clinical team and prioritizes their needs for the success of the girls’ campus. When not at work Leslie enjoys volunteering at her church and spending time with her husband and fur baby, Sabel.
