Learning, Knowledge and Human Development MOOC’s Updates
Area of Interest: Mental Health in the School Environment
There is a lot of evidence that kids' mental health is essential for their success in school, their capacity to make friends, and their personal growth. Students who have mental health problems like anxiety, sadness, or stress may experience it challenging to pay attention in class, stay focused, and finish their work.
1. Prevalence: According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 American kids has a mental health problem. Many problems emerge during the teenage years, making the school setting particularly important for seeking help early (NAMI, 2022).
2. Impact on learning: Many studies have indicated that there is a link between mental health and school success. According to the CDC (CDC, 2020), kids with emotional or behavioral problems are more likely to have trouble in school, miss school, or act out.
3. Social-Emotional Learning: Programs that put Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) first have been found to help students' mental health. Learners who participate in social and emotional learning (SEL) programs learn how to handle their feelings, resolve arguments, and become stronger. To talk to someone who has a mental illness, you need to be able to do all of these things. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) has conducted research that demonstrates the benefits of SEL programs for children's emotional health and academic performance (CASEL, 2021).
Key Concept for Interpreting Evidence
1. Emotional Regulation: Teaching a youngster how to control their emotions is a great way to help their mental health in the long run. People who go to schools that focus on emotional regulation say they have less anxiety and despair.
2. Resilience: Research indicates that programs fostering critical thinking, self-confidence, and resilience in children significantly improve their educational experience (Masten, 2014).
3. Supportive Environment: Kutcher and Wei (2017) say that making schools welcoming and supportive, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and offering therapy can help lessen the effects of mental health problems on learning.
Conclusion
Thus, the results indicate that schools should prioritize their students' mental health if they want them to excel academically. To help kids succeed in school and life, we must ensure they have access to mental health care and social and emotional learning programs.
References:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report in 2020. Mental Health in Schools.
- Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). (2021). SEL Impact.
- Kutcher, S., & Wei, Y. (2017). Mental Health in Schools: A Guide for Educators. Cambridge University Press.
- Masten, A. S. (2014). Ordinary Magic: Resilience in Development. Guilford Press.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2022). Mental Health in Children and Adolescents.