Assignment: Complete a rough draft of your research paper. This draft needs to be your best effort, and it should meet the length requirement of 8-10 pages (not including your works cited page). In other words, this should be what you consider to be your final draft (or close to it), knowing you will have some editing to do most likely. It should not be a partial draft.
More Than Grades
In recent years, mental health issues among students has become a pressing concern in schools across the country. The National Library of Medicine states that across the United States, "one-fifth (20.9%) of youth have experienced a major depressive episode, 36.7% of U.S. high school students in 2019 reported persistently feeling sad or hopeless in the past year, and 18.8% seriously considered attempting suicide." Today's elementary and high school students face increased pressure from academic standards, social media presence, and personal challenges, all of which contribute to rising levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. As these issues grow more prevalent, the need for effective support systems within educational environments becomes more crucial. Since there is an increasing presence of mental health challenges among students, it is crucial for educational institutions, supported by government initiatives, to prioritize mental health awareness and aid those in need to improve both academic performance and overall well-being.
One of the most urgent reasons to bring mental health awareness into schools is the large number of students experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges. According to the American Psychological Association, "one in five children and adolescents experience a mental health problem during their school years." This striking statistic shows how common these struggles are and shows the necessity of proactive support systems within education. Without proper attention, these challenges can interfere with a student's academic progress, social interactions, and emotional development. As mental health issues continue to rise, schools can no longer treat them as separate from academic success. Students must be mentally and emotionally healthy to focus, learn, and reach their potential. For that reason, addressing student mental health should be viewed as a critical part of a school's mission.
When mental health issues go unrecognized or untreated, the APA explains that those ignored issues "can disrupt learning, development, and relationships both in and out of school." These issues don't exist in isolation - they have ripple effects that can influence everyone around the distressed student. Students who experience mental health challenges may act out, withdraw, or struggle with emotional regulation, making academic success drift farther away from them and others in the classroom. Teachers may be forced to redirect class time to manage behavior, and classmates may feel distracted or uneasy. Over time, this can lead to a decline in classroom performance and morale. A supportive learning environment depends on meeting the emotional needs of all students, not just academic ones,
To respond to these widespread challenges, schools must be equipped with effective mental health resources and programs. This includes hiring trained school counselors, offering wellness programs, and providing professional development for teachers on how to support student mental health. Government-funded initiatives can also help by supporting these services, especially in districts that lack resources to provide them. Programs that teach coping skills, emotional regulation, and stress management can empower students to take control of their mental well-being. Schools that prioritize mental wellness not only improves individual student outcomes but also builds stronger, more supportive learning communities. When everyone in the school system works together, students are more likely to feel seen, supported, and set up for success with the right program for them, such as Let Grow.
The Let Grow program focuses on increasing childhood independence as a means to improve emotional resilience. Founded by Lenore Skenazy and Peter Gray, Let Grow encourages schools to assign "independence homework," such as letting students cook a meal without help or walking/biking to a friends house. The goal is to reverse the decline in independence that began around the 1950s, which many experts believe has contributed to the rising rates of anxiety and depression. As Dr. Peter Gray, a psychology professor at Boston College, explains, "Children who have more opportunities than others for independent activities are not only happier in the short run, because the activities engender happiness and a sense of trustworthiness and competence, but also happier in the long run." Skenazy piles onto Gray's assessment, stating how "our kids are endangered doing anything on their own, but in fact, there's actually danger in not letting them do anything on their own."
In addition to independence-based programs, peer-supported initiatives also play a powerful role in improving student mental health. DoSomething.org created the "New State of Mind" campaign, which asked students to anonymously submit tips for managing their own mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign received over 74,000 responses from young students, only emphasizing the widespread need for mental health support. These submissions were used to create a student led guide for coping strategies, such as unplugging from social media and engaging in creative hobbies. One student shared "Using and decorating my planner to keep myself productive has been very effective in calming me down." These firsthand suggestions make mental health resources more accessible and relatable for students by promoting peer-driven solutions.
Together, programs like Let Grow and the New State of Mind campaign illustrate the importance of innovative and student-centered approaches to mental health support. While traditional counseling services such as seeing a school counselor are important and recommended, they may be ineffective with some students. These alternate methods can help meet students' needs emotionally and developmentally, which will help create safer and more supportive environments in schools that foster both academic and personal growth. As the mental health crisis continues to affect youth nationwide, investing in these types of initiatives becomes not just helpful, but essential.
Another method that is more medical based is the use of medication. The utilization of psychotropic medications among school-aged children has become increasingly prevalent as a means to manage mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, approximately 20% of youth in the United States have an identified mental health condition in a given year, with 40% meeting the criteria by age 18. These medications can significantly alleviate symptoms and assist in handling academic and social settings. However, it should be noted that although these treatments can provide symptom relief, they do not offer a cure. Medication is only part of the overall strategy to battling mental health issues.
Despite its availability, a substantial number of students do not receive appropriate medication treatment. The same study from the National Library of Medicine indicates that approximately half of these children do not access necessary therapies, including both psychosocial interventions and medications. Obstacles contributing to this problem include limited availability of qualified clinicians, societal stigma, affordability, economic challenges such as transportation, and personal factors such as cultural or religious beliefs. Addressing these barriers is crucial to ensure that all students have equitable access to the mental health care they need.
Schools play a pivotal role in supporting students who require medication for mental health issues. As emphasized in The Ted Edvocate, educational institutions are increasingly implementing innovative programs to address student well-being, including the integration of mindfulness and social/emotional learning into the daily curriculum. Moreover, schools are recognizing the importance of collaboration between educators, healthcare providers, and families to create encouraging environments for students. Such collaborations are essential in ensuring that students not only receive the proper medication treatment but also benefit from a holistic approach to mental health care that encompasses counseling, behavioral interventions, and academic support.
This level of support for schools requires a substantial amount of funding, which is where government initiatives find their role in helping our students, especially for students in lower income areas. The "Increasing Access to Mental Health in Schools Act" (H.R. 3572) proposes a grant program to enhance the recruitment and retention of school-based mental health service providers in low-income local educational agencies. The bill emphasizes the importance of achieving recommended student-to-provider ratios, such as "at least 1 school counselor for every 250 students," to ensure adequate support for students' mental health needs. By providing financial incentives like student loan forgiveness and tuition credits, the legislation aims to attract qualified professionals to underserved schools and communities, thus improving access to mental health services for students in need.
Students advocating for more government initiatives has alto been instrumental in promoting mental health awareness and support within schools. In her TEDx Talk, Hailey Hardcastle discusses the importance of prioritizing mental health, emphasizing that "students are the experts of their own experiences." She also advocates for policies that allow for mental health days, recognizing the need for students to take time off to care for their emotional well-being. By sharing her personal experiences and those of her peers, Hardcastle spotlights the significance of student voices in shaping policies that address mental health challenges in schools.
Combining legislative efforts with student-led initiatives creates a comprehensive approach to tackling mental health issues in educational environments. While governments programs like H.R. 3572 aim to increase the availability of mental health professionals in schools, student pressure ensures that the policies implemented are responsive to the actual needs and experiences of students. This collaborative strategy fosters a supportive atmosphere where mental health is prioritized, enabling students to thrive in the long run.
The parents and families of struggling students have the role of nurturing their children's mental health, serving as the foundation for emotional well-being and resilience. A supportive home environment, characterized by open communication and emotional warmth, can significantly influence a child's ability to cope with stress and challenges. According to the American Society for the Positive Care of Children (ASPCC), parental involvement is associated with improved academic performance, enhanced social and emotional skills, increased motivation, and better overall mental health. By actively engaging in their children's lives, parents can help identify early signs of mental health issues and seek the appropriate interventions and programs for assistance, fostering a proactive approach to well-being.
Conversely, exposure to toxic stress - prolonged activation of stress response systems in the absence of protective relationships - can have detrimental effects on a child's development. The University of Texas Medical Branch highlights that elevated stress hormones can disrupt the structure of a developing brain, particularly affecting the amygdala, the brain's "fight or flight center." This disruption can lead to difficulties in learning, memory, and emotional regulation, underscoring the importance of a stable and nurturing home environment. Parents can mitigate these effects by providing consistent support, fostering secure attachments, and creating a safe space for children to express their emotions.
Cooperation between parents and schools is essential in promoting children's mental health. By creating strong partnerships, parents and educators can create a cohesive support system that addresses the child's holistic needs. The ASPCC emphasizes that such collaboration can lead to improvements in academic outcomes and emotional stability. Regular communication, shared resources, and joint participation in mental health initiatives can bridge gaps between home and school environments. Through these collaborative efforts, children are more likely to receive consistent support, fostering resilience and a positive trajectory for their future minds.
The growing mental health crisis amongst students demands immediate and stronger attention. With actions from schools, families, medical providers, and government assistance, we can better help the one-fifth of children who are mentally suffering during their school years. It's clear that academic success cannot be separated from emotional well-being. Schools and the U.S. government must expand access to mental health programs, provide students with supportive environments, and recognize early warning signs. Innovative approaches, such as independence building and peer-led resources, offer meaningful solutions, while medications and therapy remain important for those with more serious conditions. Parents also play a vital role in nurturing resilience at home and partnering with educators to ensure consistent support. It is essential that educational institutions, with the help of the government, prioritize mental health awareness and aid for students in need. Now is the time for communities and policymakers to invest in long-term mental health strategies so that every student has the opportunity to emotionally and academically thrive.
More Than Grades
In recent years, mental health issues among students has become a pressing concern in schools across the country. The National Library of Medicine states that across the United States, "one-fifth (20.9%) of youth have experienced a major depressive episode, 36.7% of U.S. high school students in 2019 reported persistently feeling sad or hopeless in the past year, and 18.8% seriously considered attempting suicide." Today's elementary and high school students face increased pressure from academic standards, social media presence, and personal challenges, all of which contribute to rising levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. As these issues grow more prevalent, the need for effective support systems within educational environments becomes more crucial. Since there is an increasing presence of mental health challenges among students, it is crucial for educational institutions, supported by government initiatives, to prioritize mental health awareness and aid those in need to improve both academic performance and overall well-being.
One of the most urgent reasons to bring mental health awareness into schools is the large number of students experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges. According to the American Psychological Association, "one in five children and adolescents experience a mental health problem during their school years." This striking statistic shows how common these struggles are and shows the necessity of proactive support systems within education. Without proper attention, these challenges can interfere with a student's academic progress, social interactions, and emotional development. As mental health issues continue to rise, schools can no longer treat them as separate from academic success. Students must be mentally and emotionally healthy to focus, learn, and reach their potential. For that reason, addressing student mental health should be viewed as a critical part of a school's mission.
When mental health issues go unrecognized or untreated, the APA explains that those ignored issues "can disrupt learning, development, and relationships both in and out of school." These issues don't exist in isolation - they have ripple effects that can influence everyone around the distressed student. Students who experience mental health challenges may act out, withdraw, or struggle with emotional regulation, making academic success drift farther away from them and others in the classroom. Teachers may be forced to redirect class time to manage behavior, and classmates may feel distracted or uneasy. Over time, this can lead to a decline in classroom performance and morale. A supportive learning environment depends on meeting the emotional needs of all students, not just academic ones,
To respond to these widespread challenges, schools must be equipped with effective mental health resources and programs. This includes hiring trained school counselors, offering wellness programs, and providing professional development for teachers on how to support student mental health. Government-funded initiatives can also help by supporting these services, especially in districts that lack resources to provide them. Programs that teach coping skills, emotional regulation, and stress management can empower students to take control of their mental well-being. Schools that prioritize mental wellness not only improves individual student outcomes but also builds stronger, more supportive learning communities. When everyone in the school system works together, students are more likely to feel seen, supported, and set up for success with the right program for them, such as Let Grow.
The Let Grow program focuses on increasing childhood independence as a means to improve emotional resilience. Founded by Lenore Skenazy and Peter Gray, Let Grow encourages schools to assign "independence homework," such as letting students cook a meal without help or walking/biking to a friends house. The goal is to reverse the decline in independence that began around the 1950s, which many experts believe has contributed to the rising rates of anxiety and depression. As Dr. Peter Gray, a psychology professor at Boston College, explains, "Children who have more opportunities than others for independent activities are not only happier in the short run, because the activities engender happiness and a sense of trustworthiness and competence, but also happier in the long run." Skenazy piles onto Gray's assessment, stating how "our kids are endangered doing anything on their own, but in fact, there's actually danger in not letting them do anything on their own."
In addition to independence-based programs, peer-supported initiatives also play a powerful role in improving student mental health. DoSomething.org created the "New State of Mind" campaign, which asked students to anonymously submit tips for managing their own mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign received over 74,000 responses from young students, only emphasizing the widespread need for mental health support. These submissions were used to create a student led guide for coping strategies, such as unplugging from social media and engaging in creative hobbies. One student shared "Using and decorating my planner to keep myself productive has been very effective in calming me down." These firsthand suggestions make mental health resources more accessible and relatable for students by promoting peer-driven solutions.
Together, programs like Let Grow and the New State of Mind campaign illustrate the importance of innovative and student-centered approaches to mental health support. While traditional counseling services such as seeing a school counselor are important and recommended, they may be ineffective with some students. These alternate methods can help meet students' needs emotionally and developmentally, which will help create safer and more supportive environments in schools that foster both academic and personal growth. As the mental health crisis continues to affect youth nationwide, investing in these types of initiatives becomes not just helpful, but essential.
Another method that is more medical based is the use of medication. The utilization of psychotropic medications among school-aged children has become increasingly prevalent as a means to manage mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, approximately 20% of youth in the United States have an identified mental health condition in a given year, with 40% meeting the criteria by age 18. These medications can significantly alleviate symptoms and assist in handling academic and social settings. However, it should be noted that although these treatments can provide symptom relief, they do not offer a cure. Medication is only part of the overall strategy to battling mental health issues.
Despite its availability, a substantial number of students do not receive appropriate medication treatment. The same study from the National Library of Medicine indicates that approximately half of these children do not access necessary therapies, including both psychosocial interventions and medications. Obstacles contributing to this problem include limited availability of qualified clinicians, societal stigma, affordability, economic challenges such as transportation, and personal factors such as cultural or religious beliefs. Addressing these barriers is crucial to ensure that all students have equitable access to the mental health care they need.
Schools play a pivotal role in supporting students who require medication for mental health issues. As emphasized in The Ted Edvocate, educational institutions are increasingly implementing innovative programs to address student well-being, including the integration of mindfulness and social/emotional learning into the daily curriculum. Moreover, schools are recognizing the importance of collaboration between educators, healthcare providers, and families to create encouraging environments for students. Such collaborations are essential in ensuring that students not only receive the proper medication treatment but also benefit from a holistic approach to mental health care that encompasses counseling, behavioral interventions, and academic support.
This level of support for schools requires a substantial amount of funding, which is where government initiatives find their role in helping our students, especially for students in lower income areas. The "Increasing Access to Mental Health in Schools Act" (H.R. 3572) proposes a grant program to enhance the recruitment and retention of school-based mental health service providers in low-income local educational agencies. The bill emphasizes the importance of achieving recommended student-to-provider ratios, such as "at least 1 school counselor for every 250 students," to ensure adequate support for students' mental health needs. By providing financial incentives like student loan forgiveness and tuition credits, the legislation aims to attract qualified professionals to underserved schools and communities, thus improving access to mental health services for students in need.
Students advocating for more government initiatives has alto been instrumental in promoting mental health awareness and support within schools. In her TEDx Talk, Hailey Hardcastle discusses the importance of prioritizing mental health, emphasizing that "students are the experts of their own experiences." She also advocates for policies that allow for mental health days, recognizing the need for students to take time off to care for their emotional well-being. By sharing her personal experiences and those of her peers, Hardcastle spotlights the significance of student voices in shaping policies that address mental health challenges in schools.
Combining legislative efforts with student-led initiatives creates a comprehensive approach to tackling mental health issues in educational environments. While governments programs like H.R. 3572 aim to increase the availability of mental health professionals in schools, student pressure ensures that the policies implemented are responsive to the actual needs and experiences of students. This collaborative strategy fosters a supportive atmosphere where mental health is prioritized, enabling students to thrive in the long run.
The parents and families of struggling students have the role of nurturing their children's mental health, serving as the foundation for emotional well-being and resilience. A supportive home environment, characterized by open communication and emotional warmth, can significantly influence a child's ability to cope with stress and challenges. According to the American Society for the Positive Care of Children (ASPCC), parental involvement is associated with improved academic performance, enhanced social and emotional skills, increased motivation, and better overall mental health. By actively engaging in their children's lives, parents can help identify early signs of mental health issues and seek the appropriate interventions and programs for assistance, fostering a proactive approach to well-being.
Conversely, exposure to toxic stress - prolonged activation of stress response systems in the absence of protective relationships - can have detrimental effects on a child's development. The University of Texas Medical Branch highlights that elevated stress hormones can disrupt the structure of a developing brain, particularly affecting the amygdala, the brain's "fight or flight center." This disruption can lead to difficulties in learning, memory, and emotional regulation, underscoring the importance of a stable and nurturing home environment. Parents can mitigate these effects by providing consistent support, fostering secure attachments, and creating a safe space for children to express their emotions.
Cooperation between parents and schools is essential in promoting children's mental health. By creating strong partnerships, parents and educators can create a cohesive support system that addresses the child's holistic needs. The ASPCC emphasizes that such collaboration can lead to improvements in academic outcomes and emotional stability. Regular communication, shared resources, and joint participation in mental health initiatives can bridge gaps between home and school environments. Through these collaborative efforts, children are more likely to receive consistent support, fostering resilience and a positive trajectory for their future minds.
The growing mental health crisis amongst students demands immediate and stronger attention. With actions from schools, families, medical providers, and government assistance, we can better help the one-fifth of children who are mentally suffering during their school years. It's clear that academic success cannot be separated from emotional well-being. Schools and the U.S. government must expand access to mental health programs, provide students with supportive environments, and recognize early warning signs. Innovative approaches, such as independence building and peer-led resources, offer meaningful solutions, while medications and therapy remain important for those with more serious conditions. Parents also play a vital role in nurturing resilience at home and partnering with educators to ensure consistent support. It is essential that educational institutions, with the help of the government, prioritize mental health awareness and aid for students in need. Now is the time for communities and policymakers to invest in long-term mental health strategies so that every student has the opportunity to emotionally and academically thrive.
