Should students be allowed to miss school for mental health reasons?

One in six youth have a mental health condition, like anxiety or depression. Others may not have a condition but may still be going through a difficult period. Students who need a “mental health day” should be allowed to miss school when they are not well, which helps normalize making mental wellness a priority.

Is mental health a valid reason to miss school?

Did you know that under a 2021 California law, public school students can take up to five days of excused absences for mental health, no questions asked? We are experiencing a youth mental health crisis in California and across the nation.

Should students be allowed to take mental health days off from school?

It helps students rest and recharge.

In many situations, taking a periodic day off to rest and recharge is exactly what a child needs. Giving them this time off also supports their autonomy over their own mental health and helps them learn how to manage their own mental well-being.

Should schools help students with mental health?

Schools are crucial partners in supporting student mental health. Here are some ways educators can help: Spot the signs: Regular training sessions for teachers on how to recognize the signs of mental health concerns in students are vital.

Why mental health days should be excused?

The fact that mental health is acknowledged as a valid medical problem supports the excusability of mental health days. It is vital to give mental health conditions the same consideration as physical illnesses, such as a sick day.

Should Students Be Allowed To Take Mental Health Days From School?

Is anxiety a reason to miss school?

Sixteen percent of students who were absent for at least a day in the past year and missed school for reasons other than physical illness said they didn't attend because of anxiety, and 12 percent said they felt too sad or depressed to attend.

How does mental health affect school attendance?

When children are exposed to significant stress, violence, or trauma in their homes or communities, it can also trigger mental health issues that cause them to be chronically absent from school. Safety Issues. Students who fear or experience violence or bullying are at risk for being chronically absent from school.

Why is mental health not taken seriously in schools?

They are not equipped with the time, resources, or training necessary to give students with signs of mental health issues the unique attention they deserve. Moreover, mental health education is seldom part of the student's curriculum, even though parents recognize the importance of the subject.

Should students have mental health days pros and cons?

“I think if you have a truly healthy student, an occasional mental health day is okay,” she says. “But if a child has major issues, it's a slippery slope. Mental health days can become an escape hatch.” Perhaps the most worrisome aspect of the mental health day movement is its potential to isolate kids.

Is school more important than mental health?

Nowadays, we know taking care of student mental health is just as (if not more) important than getting good grades. Better mental health means better learning and makes realizing students' full potential more likely.

Is it OK to take mental health days?

While we're often good at reading the signs when our body needs a rest, we're not as used to giving our mind a break too. Taking a day off work for a mental health day is just as important as a sick day for a stomach bug or flu.

How does longer school days affect students mental health?

With such long hours, it can be difficult for students to make friends and socialize. This can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

How many students struggle with mental health?

How Many College Students Experience Mental Health Conditions? The American College Health Association's (ACHA) Spring 2022 National College Health Assessment surveyed over 54,000 undergraduate students. It revealed that approximately 77% were experiencing moderate to serious psychological distress.

Can I say mental days as an excuse for skipping school?

California is among twelve states that now allow students to take “mental health days” as excused absences, as reported by Today. While some adults worry that teens will abuse the policy, mental health experts are encouraged by the step forward and stress that the benefits outweigh the risk of misuse.

Do schools not care about mental health?

In the 2021-2022 school year, 96% of public schools reported offering at least one type of mental health service to their students.

Should you be allowed to skip school when you're stressed?

Many parents agree. They say kids should learn how to cope with stress, not avoid it. And they say mental health days don't teach that.

What are the cons of mental health days in schools?

Students should not use these days to escape difficult assignments or dreaded interactions with peers. When these days are used as avoidance, stresses of returning to more work that has piled up or missing critical discussion related to success on an assessment can add additional stress.

Are mental health days good for college students?

Students said in the survey that scheduling mental health days, acknowledging mental health needs and offering wellness activities and life skills classes would help their mental health in college. Students want their schools to offer more support for them to deal with whatever they are going through.

Why do teachers not care about their students mental health?

However, most teachers receive little or no training on how to identify and understand mental health problems. As a result, most say that they do not feel prepared to address the mental health needs of their students.

How does school affect mental health 2023?

The pressure to perform well can make students overanxious. Stress from failure and negative emotions from social rejection also contribute to mental health decline. The following can affect students' mental health negatively. High expectations – students can be under the pressure of their parents' high expectations.

Is mental health in schools a hidden crisis affecting millions of students?

Mental Health In Schools: A Hidden Crisis Affecting Millions Of Students. August 31, 2016 • An estimated 20 percent of children show signs or symptoms of a mental health problem. It's a destructive force in schools, but most educators don't have the training or resources to help.

Can mental illness affect school?

Poor mental health in adolescence is more than feeling blue. It can impact many areas of a teen's life. Youth with poor mental health may struggle with school and grades, decision making, and their health.

How do you explain absence due to mental health?

Write a formal letter that opens with a statement of intent - that you are requesting personal time off for a health matter. HR will let you know if you should clarify mental health or merely state your intent to take health-related time off.

Why mental health days are a bad idea for students?

Mental health days shouldn't be used to avoid a touch assignment or a problem at school. Skipping tests or hiding from conflict ends up making the problem bigger, not better. And avoiding things that make kids anxious makes the anxiety worse.

How many kids miss school because of anxiety?

43% reported a panic or anxiety attack. 22% said they'd missed three or more days of school due to mental health.