Blog

The notion of spring break might evoke images of whooshing down a mountain at a ski resort or lounging on a sun-drenched beach in warmer climates. However, the reality is that such adventures are out of reach for many families with school-age children, as they stay home due to work commitments or financial pressures.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults (aged 15 to 34 years) in Canada. Many of today’s young people are grappling with extraordinary circumstances, from pervasive mental health struggles to financial hardships to challenging peer or family relationships. These stressors can impact mental, emotional and physical well-being such that the challenges feel insurmountable, leading some to take their own life. 

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed in Canada, affecting approximately 5% to 7% of children, according to the Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada (CADDAC). While it frequently manifests itself through challenges in maintaining concentration and managing impulses, ADHD can also impact the mental and emotional health of students; it can be associated with higher risks of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and other disorders and behaviours that can profoundly affect social relationships, behaviour and academic performance.

You don’t have to look far to find an article detailing the state of student achievement these days. Math and reading scores are down from where they were pre-pandemic and educators and parents alike are scrambling to find ways to close the gap. Unfortunately, academic scores aren’t the only concern in need of attention; an extraordinary percentage of our students are facing mental health challenges — many of them dire.

School psychologists are well aware of the toll social media can take on students’ mental health. Yet educators often wonder how much to get involved with issues that might seem like “parenting,” and certainly social media use could fall under that umbrella. The good news is that our input is likely to be appreciated, as confirmed by a recent study from The Pew Research Center, in which nearly half of parent respondents said they’ve looked to teachers for advice on managing screen time.

Everyone gets the back-to-school jitters — even educators. There’s a reason the “Sunday Scaries” is a thing, whether you’re returning from a long vacation or a typical weekend. And of course, this apprehension is not reserved for you and your colleagues. Students and their families likely also feel angst during transitions back to school and work.