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Youth Perspectives:
How School Impacts Mental Health
Maine youth are in crisis. Almost 9% of Maine youth attempted suicide in 2019, and far more considered it seriously. And that was before the pandemic. School alone cannot be blamed for this reality. Yet, we can’t pretend any longer that how youth spend their days doesn’t impact their wellbeing. Thankfully, the Maine DOE is working hard to increase the number of psychologists in schools and the number of community schools offering wraparound services, in addition to other efforts. This is laudable, as is their Whole Child focus. However, the school day itself needs to be examined. How do our typical school days, with hours of sitting and listening, with little physical activity and few breaks, offer a basis for health?
Recently, groups of Washington County youth told us exactly what their school days are like and specifically how school is contributing to their poor mental health. Four main areas of concern surfaced:
- Hours of long class periods with lecture-style instruction.
- 3- to 5-minute passing periods that offer not enough time for reflection on the previous class or even a trip to the bathroom.
- Lack of healthy food options at lunch, including water.
- Bus schedules that demand 5 am wake-up times after a long night of homework.
Contrast this with a recent group of Somerset County youth who told us about their school day and how it was supportive of their wellbeing:
- Hands-on learning balanced with sitting and listening in core classes.
- Breaks between class periods.
- Opportunities to contribute to healthy lunches by working in school gardens.
- Flexible schedules that allow students to work or pursue other interests.
How many adults realized during the pandemic that our work lives were not supportive of our own health and happiness? Youth seem to have had that same realization. Our educators and our youth need all of us — parents, community members, healthcare professionals, and school board members — to re-examine with them how the school-day experience impacts basic wellbeing. Some schools and districts are succeeding in this work, and they need to be celebrated and emulated. We know you are out there! Please share your success stories so others can learn from them.
Our question to you: How can you start a conversation with the youth and educators at your school to support them in making their teaching and learning environments healthier and more humane? Can you reach out to your district to find a way?
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