Table of Contents
Updated and Fact-Checked July 2024 by: Mike Carter LCDC
Update list:
- After the pandemic, the challenges were reduced a little bit but the approaches of online learning changed so we updated that.
- Updated coping skills.
- Added more insights as to how to take care of our teens’ mental health.
Over the past few years, online learning has become a more popular option for school among teens and their families. Online school can be more convenient and flexible. It appeals to students, especially during unprecedented times like the past global COVID pandemic.
This shift has allowed learning for students that may not be able to attend in-person school. However, it has also caused consequences that impact teen mental health.
The Emergence of Online Learning
Online learning grew quickly after the COVID pandemic. When schools shut down, students had to adjust to a new way of learning that relied on technology and digital platforms.
Tools like tablets, laptops, smartphones, learning softwares and digital classrooms like Zoom and Google Meet make it easier than ever to learn online.
In virtual school, students can work at their own pace and education can be tailored to their specific levels. This can lead to a more personalized and engaging learning experience. While this shift was necessary for the health and safety of students and communities, it also comes with challenges.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Education
The quick transition to virtual schooling caused a number of changes for families, students and communities across the nation. On the positive side, online learning offers flexibility, tailored learning and access to more educational resources. However, it also brought new stressors on teens that could impact their mental health and emotional well-being.
Online learning has led to less face-to-face interaction. For students who do not partake in extra curricular activities, this means they may go days without leaving home or interacting with peers.
In a traditional classroom, students can engage in discussions, ask questions, and receive immediate feedback. This social aspect of learning helps build relationships, communication skills, and foster a sense of belonging. Without it, students may feel isolated and disconnected from their educational experience.
Traditional classrooms also provide more structure and hold students accountable. With online learning, it is easier to become distracted. This can cause a decline in academic performance, cause students to fall behind and feel overwhelmed.
The Psychological Effects of Virtual Education
The lack of social interaction can have psychological effects on teens. This period is important for social development, personality and identity exploration. Without interaction such as in regular school, teens can become isolated. This can impact their mental health and lead to problems such as depression or anxiety.
However, it is important to note that not all students experience the same level of social isolation. Some teens may have a strong support system at home, with family members who actively engage with them and provide emotional support.
Social Isolation
Humans are social creatures, the absence of social interactions can be detrimental to mental and emotional well-being. The lack of opportunities to engage in group activities, make meaningful connections, and establish friendships can lead to feelings of isolation, which may exacerbate existing mental health issues or trigger the onset of new ones.
When students have the opportunity to interact with their peers and teachers in person, they are more likely to feel motivated, engaged, and supported. Without these interpersonal connections, students may struggle to stay focused and may experience a decline in their academic performance.
Substance Abuse
Teenagers facing increased isolation, stress and anxiety due to the pressures of online learning may be more vulnerable to substance abuse. This unhealthy way of coping may be used as an escape or to increase focus and academic performance.
At-Risk Teens
Traditional schools can act as an escape for at-risk students. Some teens may have higher risks of developing mental health problems from online school if they do not have a safe or supportive home environment. Students that come from unstable family homes may find it harder to stay focused or emotionally present.
Reducing Negative Impacts of Online Learning
Understanding the risks is helpful to prioritize mental health support in online education. This can include virtual counseling, support groups and mental health awareness programs.
As online learning evolves, adults must focus on building a healthier digital learning environment. This can involve striking a balance between screen time and physical activity, promoting healthy coping mechanisms for stress reduction, and fostering supportive relationships between students, educators, and families
Anna graduated from Texas Tech University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and from Texas Wesleyan University in 2015 with a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling. Anna has been in the mental health field since 2015 and held a variety of leadership roles since 2017 in Residential, Inpatient, PHP/IOP and private practice levels of care. Anna approaches therapy and leadership with the mindset that we are all one life event from seeking care ourselves and aims to foster an environment in which both the client and staff well-being are the priority. Anna is an introverted foodie who enjoys reading, watching dateline/sports and spending time with her husband, daughter, and fur babies, Dora & Teddy.
