How do schools affect mental health? 8 possible impacts
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Explore how school may affect mental health and the impact that bullying can have on kids. Plus, what to do if your kid’s mental health is being affected by school.
School plays a huge role in a child’s life — so, naturally, it can spark a wide range of emotions.
Some kids love school and see it as a place full of fun activities, new friendships, and supportive teachers helping them learn new things. But, for others, school can be a playground of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. From nerve-wracking tests and pressure to succeed, to social challenges like making new friends or overcoming bullying, it’s easy to understand how school can weigh on a young person.
Understanding how school can affect a child’s mental health is important for everyone in the kid’s life, from parents to teachers and students alike. After all, once we know what mental health signs to look for, we can better support the kids in our lives.
How does school affect mental health?
School can have a major impact on a child’s mental health in many ways, shaping their sense of self, building their emotional resilience, and affecting their overall wellbeing.
If things are going well, school can be a place where kids build confidence, develop their social skills, and learn valuable lessons like teamwork and time management. Kids who feel a sense of belonging at school can build their self-esteem and establish strong friendships.
Of course, this isn’t the reality for every child. Some kids develop anxiety or burnout over tests, grades, and the pressure to live up to expectations. Social dynamics, including bullying and struggling to fit in, can also take a toll on a child’s mental health.
4 potentially positive effects of school
A positive school experience can enhance a child’s mental health by helping them to build resilience, confidence, and self-worth. If a child feels good about themselves, they’re more likely to excel in school, extracurricular activities, and even become more confident socializing with friends and peers.
1. Supportive relationships: Strong connections with teachers, friends, and classmates may boost self-esteem and create a sense of belonging. When children feel valued and understood by caring teachers and inclusive peers, they’re more likely to experience a boost in confidence.
2. Opportunities for growth: Children can explore interests and develop new skills by participating in school-related activities, like clubs and sports. This can help them strengthen their sense of self and meet friends who have similar interests as them.
3. Structured environment: The stability and predictability of school can help children manage their time and responsibilities. This can help reduce fears of uncertainty and stress or anxiety while also teaching valuable life skills like perseverance and mental strength.
4. Access to resources: Counseling services, mental health programs, and wellness activities provided by schools can offer children a safe space to discuss their feelings, learn coping skills, and manage stress. It also gives them a built-in support system. For some children, school lunches provide much needed nutrition and sustenance, especially if they live in homes that are food-insecure.
4 potentially negative impacts of school
School can be challenging for children in general, but there are several factors that can negatively impact their mental health. These factors may require extra support and care from parents, teachers, and maybe even a school counselor.
1. Academic pressure: Trying to get good grades and manage a heavy workload can be stressful and cause anxiety. This can be especially overwhelming for a child who’s working toward a specific goal, like going to college, or juggling other responsibilities while managing their grades, like helping to raise a sibling or manage other personal issues.
2. Social challenges: Peer pressure or struggling to fit in can make a young person feel lonely and sad, turning school into a source of anxiety. And in today’s culture, social media can make this problem even worse.
3. Bullying: Making friends is hard enough, but bullying can cause extreme stress and anxiety. When a child is bullied, every day at school can feel like a struggle. If gone unchecked, it can lead to long-term issues like anxiety and depression.
4. Lack of support: Some kids have teachers, friends, or counselors they can turn to for encouragement — but not every child has that kind of support system. Without a support system, young people may struggle to manage their feelings and cope with stress, because they simply don’t have anyone to turn to for comfort, advice, or safety.
What are the effects of bullying on a kid’s mental health?
Bullying is a serious problem that can have a major impact on a child’s mental health. Children who are bullied may often feel scared, isolated, and helpless. Without help from a trusted family member, adult, or professional, bullying can have devastating, long-lasting effects on a person’s mental health and wellbeing.
The anxiety that may stem from bullying may cause physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or sleep issues. Over time, bullying can even lead to depression and social anxiety or withdrawal. A bullied child might start to believe the hurtful things said about them, resulting in feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and low self-esteem. They might begin to pull away from activities, isolate from friends and family, or become more irritable. In severe cases, bullying may even lead to self-harm or suicidal thoughts, so it’s essential to address the issue as soon as possible to ensure your child’s safety.
Even after bullying stops, the emotional scars may remain. Bullying can have long-term consequences like trust issues, low self-esteem, difficulty forming relationships, or ongoing anxiety and depression that last into adulthood. Here are 12 tips to help you (or your child) cope with feelings of depression.
If you suspect your child’s being bullied, take action immediately. Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported at school.
Talk to them openly: Reassure them it’s not their fault, and emphasize that they deserve to feel safe. They need to know that bullying is never okay.
Make a plan: Talk to teachers, counselors, or administrators to create a plan. Make sure they address the bullying and ensure your child receives the support they need.
Be a safe space: Provide emotional support at home. Listen to your child, encourage them to share their experiences with you. Consider professional help if you think it’s necessary.
4 signs that school may be affecting a child’s mental health
It can be hard to know for sure if school is having a negative impact on your child’s mental health. Children may not always directly communicate what’s bothering them (or know how), so pay attention to these cues and talk to them about what might be going on.
1. Changes in behavior
Your child might spend more time alone, avoid activities they used to enjoy, or become more easily upset. They might also seem more withdrawn, irritable, or moody.
2. Physical symptoms
Mental and physical health are connected. If your child is complaining of headaches, stomachaches, or other unexplained aches and pains, it’s possible that something else might be going on. Other signs may include trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, or exhaustion.
3. Academic decline
Pay attention if your child avoids homework, loses focus in class, or struggles to get good grades. A decline or disinterest in academic work may be a sign your child is struggling with their mental health.
4. Avoidance of school
Frequently asking to stay home from school, complaining of feeling sick in the mornings, or showing signs of anxiety when it’s time to go to school may indicate that there’s a problem.
What to do if your child's mental health is being affected by school
If you suspect school is affecting your child's mental health negatively, it’s best to talk with them as soon as you’re able. Addressing the issue early can prevent it from escalating and help your child feel more supported and confident.
Talk with your child about their feelings
When you’re able to talk without distractions, gently express your concern by mentioning that you’ve noticed some changes in their behavior. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling about school?” or “Is there anything at school that’s been bothering you?”
Listen carefully to their responses without interrupting or judging. This can help create a safe space where your child feels comfortable opening up about their thoughts and feelings.
💙 Try our Labeling Emotions practice, led by Jay Shetty, with your child to encourage self-reflection.
Meet with school staff to discuss your child’s behavior
Once you have a clearer idea of what’s going on, talk to your child’s teacher, school counselor, or principal. Share your concerns, and listen to get a better understanding of how your child is doing at school. School staff may suggest accommodations or resources to support your child.
If academic pressure is a problem, the teacher might adjust the workload or offer extra help. If bullying is an issue that’s creating anxiety, the school can take action to keep your child safe and supported.
💙 Check out this meditation on the art of Mindful Listening with Tamara Levitt to strengthen your listening skills and practice holding space for people.
Encourage your child to participate in activities that give them joy
Help your child find balance by encouraging them to participate in activities they enjoy outside of school. Sports, clubs, or hobbies can offer a break from school-related stress and boost their mood, plus it can introduce them to like minded friends. Physical activities like biking, swimming, or taking walks together as a family after dinner may be especially helpful in reducing stress and improving mental health, too.
💙 Help your child reflect on their emotions to tap into how they really feel (and what they’re interested in) with Shawn Achor’s exercise on Discovering Happiness.
Create a supportive, quiet, and safe home environment for your child
Provide a quiet, comfortable space for homework, but also encourage regular breaks and downtime. Let your child know it’s okay to express their feelings — whether they’re happy, sad, or stressed. Be patient and reassuring. Remind them that feeling overwhelmed sometimes is normal, and that you’re there to help them through it.
💙 Introduce your child to Chibs Okereke’s One-Minute Reset breathing meditation, which is a quick way to calm down and take a mindful break when overwhelmed.
Teach your child coping skills, like deep breathing and mindfulness
Make sure your child is equipped with techniques like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and positive self-talk to help them through their toughest days. Practice these skills together as part of your daily routine so they can learn to use them independently, both at school and in other areas of life. You might suggest they try out some of these 50 positive affirmations to boost their wellbeing.
💙 The Mindfulness with Malika series offers mindful tools for kids and teens to find peace within themselves.
Monitor your child’s progress, and stay involved
Regularly check in to see how your child is feeling about school and whether the steps you’ve taken are making a difference. Celebrate any improvements together, even the smallest victories or milestones. If things aren’t getting better, seek additional support from the school, a therapist, or your child’s pediatrician.
💙 Explore our Emotions Check-in practice to help your child reflect on how they’re feeling each day.
Reach out to a professional for help
If your child’s mental health struggles are serious or ongoing, you may consider getting help from a professional. A therapist or counselor who specializes in children and adolescents can offer coping strategies and tools to help your child manage their feelings. Therapy also provides a safe space for your child to express what’s bothering them and work through their emotions.
If you’re unsure where to start, your child’s school counselor may be able to recommend mental health resources. Learn more about mindfulness therapy and if it could help your child.
How do schools affect mental health FAQs
How can parents help their children cope with school-related stress?
Parents can help their children manage school-related stress by regularly checking in on how they're feeling about school. Listen with empathy, letting them know it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and that you’re there to support them.
Encourage healthy habits like good sleep, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity to help relieve stress. And while it’s so important to encourage them to try their best at school, remind them that it’s important to take breaks and make time for their friends and hobbies too. Here are 12 tips for self-care specifically for kids that may be helpful when they’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
If your child’s stress seems unmanageable, turn to a teacher, school counselor, or therapist for extra support. Early interventions can make a big difference.
How can schools create a more supportive environment for students' mental health?
Schools can promote students’ mental health by training teachers to recognize and address mental health issues effectively and encouraging a culture of inclusivity and respect. It’s important to make all students feel valued and accepted, and anti-bullying programs, peer support, and safe spaces can help.
For children who need extra help managing their emotions, building resilience, and developing strong relationships, school leaders might consider counseling services, support groups, and mental health workshops.
What resources are available for students struggling with mental health issues in school?
There are many resources available to support students struggling with mental health.
On-site counseling: Many schools offer services where students can talk to trained counselors for support and coping strategies. Encourage your child to speak with a school counselor if they feel comfortable. You can even talk with them beforehand to help ease discomfort and anxiety.
Mental health programs: Some schools provide workshops on stress management, mindfulness, and emotional resilience, offering practical tools for managing mental health.
Peer support groups: These groups allow students to share experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges.
Community resources: Outside of school, many mental health clinics and professionals specialize in helping children and adolescents. Online resources like hotlines and informational websites can also be helpful. School counselors or pediatricians can refer you to local services.
How can mindfulness practices be integrated into the school curriculum?
Adding mindfulness into the school curriculum can help students manage stress and improve mental health. By making mindfulness a regular part of school life, students can develop lifelong skills that support their mental wellbeing.
Schools can add daily mindfulness exercises, like deep breathing or guided meditation, to help students center themselves before lessons. Mindfulness can also be incorporated into subjects, such as teaching mindful movement in physical education or mindful reading in language arts.
Mindfulness workshops or classes as extracurricular activities are also popular, and creating mindfulness spaces, like a quiet room or classroom corner, can help students find calm when they need a break.
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