As the summer heat reaches its peak and (hopefully soon) gives way to cooler autumn breezes, it’s time for children and young people to head back to school. This transition—filled with excitement, anticipation, and some natural trepidation—is an annual ritual for millions of students across our country. As we prepare for the new academic year, it’s important to remember that school readiness isn’t just about having the right supplies, it’s also about mental health.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is committed to promoting mental health and preventing substance abuse as a critical part of overall health and wellness. As part of this commitment, we want to equip parents, teachers and students with resources and tools to promote a mentally healthy return to school.
Mental Health Issues
Often invisible and untreated, mental health challenges in children and adolescents can significantly affect their ability to learn and develop. One in five children has a diagnosable mental, emotional or behavioral disorder, yet many of them don’t get the help they need. Research tells us that there is a strong relationship between students’ mental health and their academic success. Therefore, awareness of mental health and the potential for substance abuse should be a key part of every family’s back-to-school preparation.
Promoting a healthy transition
Back to school can be a stressful time, whether it’s a child’s first day of kindergarten, a transition to middle or high school, or simply the end of summer freedoms. It is normal for children to feel anxious about these changes. Here’s how you can help ease their worries:
- COMMUNICATE: Encourage your child to express their feelings about going back to school. Acknowledge their fears, make them feel understood, and reassure them that it’s completely normal to feel anxious about these changes.
- Create routines: A consistent routine fosters a sense of security in children. Establishing a regular sleep schedule, eating healthy meals, and setting aside time for homework and relaxation can help children adjust to the rhythm of the school year.
- Make preparations in advance: If possible, attend any scheduled school orientations. Meeting teachers, locating classrooms and getting familiar with the school layout can help students feel more confident on the first day of school. And if there isn’t an orientation scheduled, take the time to visit the school early to help the kids get used to the environment. It can also be helpful to practice morning routines such as getting ready for the bus or finding routes to school.
- Encourage interpersonal social interactions: Facilitate interaction with classmates to rekindle old friendships and create new ones. This may be one of the first years of school for many children without the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting normal social interactions. Social relationships can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable.
Ongoing Support in School: The Role of Educators
Schools are critical partners in supporting students’ mental health. Here are some ways teachers can help:
- Spot the signs: Regular training sessions for teachers on how to recognize signs of mental health concerns in students is vital. Knowing how to respond to such situations can ensure that children in need get the help they deserve.
- Create safe spaces: Every child deserves a nurturing school environment where they feel safe to explore and express their feelings. Schools can promote this by creating safe, nurturing spaces where students feel comfortable approaching their mental health without fear of judgment.
- Integrate mental health into the curriculum: Integrating mental health education into the curriculum is a powerful strategy for reducing prejudice and discrimination related to mental health and substance use conditions. This promotes understanding and empathy, fostering a supportive environment for all students.
Resources: Partners for Mental Health Promotion and Substance Use Prevention
The Department of Health and Human Services offers many resources for parents, educators and students:
- Parents and Carers and Youth Mental Health Resources — a collection of resources for parenting and addressing youth mental health needs.
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Concerns: Signs and Symptoms — a comprehensive guide to mental health and substance use disorder symptoms in children and young people.
- Back to School Resources for Success — a collection of resources for children, parents and educators to ensure a safe return to school by taking care of both body and mind.
- “Talk. They Hear You.”® Campaign — a national youth substance use prevention campaign that helps parents and caregivers, educators and community members.
- Early Childhood Mental Health Programs — as part of its mission to reduce the impact of substance use and mental illness in our communities, SAMHSA funds programs that promote and support the health and wellness of young children and their families.
- StopBullying.Gov — Parents, school staff, and other adults in the community can help children prevent bullying by talking about it, creating a safe school environment, and creating a community-wide bullying prevention strategy.
- SchoolSafety.Gov — provides schools and districts with helpful recommendations for creating a safe and supportive learning environment where students can thrive and grow.
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is a confidential, toll-free, 24/7, 365 days a year information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members experiencing mental or /and substance use disorders.
- FindSupport.gov — a user-friendly website designed for the general public to help people locate available resources, explore unbiased information about various treatment options, and learn how to reach out to get the support they need for issues related to mental health, drugs or alcohol.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — If you or someone you know needs support now, you can contact 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Just call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
As we approach the new school year, let’s make “Caring for Every Child’s Mental Health” a priority. Every child deserves to have a successful academic year, and by equipping young people with mental health support, we prepare them for a healthier and brighter future. This year let’s commit to making the transition back to school about physical and academic readiness and about mental preparedness. Together, we can help build and support resilient young minds and enable every child to thrive, enjoy academic success and reach their full potential.
