Are schools destroying students’ mental health? This question has been the concern of parents for quite a while. As students are promoted to the next grade, academic pressure builds. There is growing evidence that schools may be contributing to the downfall of students’ mental well-being.

How is school ruining students’ mental health?

There are many students who are constantly striving for perfection, fearing failure and their ability to meet expectations. Students’ mental health decreases drastically as the academic pressure builds up on students to accomplish higher grades than one another. This mindset has created a toxic rivalry between students, often at the expense of their mental well-being.

Another significant factor contributing to the decline of students’ mental health is the growing workload and lack of time for leisure activities. The average student today is burdened with an excessive amount of homework, extracurricular activities, and pressure to excel in multiple areas. This unrelenting schedule leaves students with little time for relaxation, hobbies, and socializing, which are crucial aspects of maintaining good mental health.

A school’s environment might be used for peer pressure, bullying and group exclusion. Even though there are students who maybe are already suffering from mental health problems, this doesn’t mean that it can escalate further. The lack of empathy and understanding in mental issues within school only increases a toxic environment in school. With school starting early in the morning this ruins students’ sleep patterns, leading to students becoming sleep deprived, in addition to other symptoms. The limited time and lack of physical activity can also contribute to stress levels rising and the decrease of their well-being, as not every student gets to participate or have PE.

Interviewing and surveying Crownpoint High School students

To address this question, I have taken matters into my own hands and interviewed some students that attend Crownpoint High School. I emailed some peers and asked, “Did you have any issues with your mental health before school?” There were some people who said yes and some who said no, but most students said “Yes.”

A friend of mine who I interviewed said “Yes, I believe that school is ruining students’ mental health. Especially with teachers giving out so much homework and expecting us to finish it all perfectly and on time. It’s Frustrating!”

A second student said “Absolutely, they give us work and give such short notice on the details of the work.” Then, a third student said “No, I mean personally the work is easy for me. But that’s just me.”

Finally, I interviewed my guardian and she said “Even since school started, I have noticed my nieces and nephews getting lazier and more drained. Yes, I do know school is meant to teach our children, but I think that school should be more exciting and fun. Considering that these children must go to school from a young age till their a young adult.” These responses show the honest opinions of students and parents.

Furthermore, the rise of technology and social media has also had a big impact on students’ mental well-being within the school environment. The constant exposure to social media platforms, where students compare their lives to others, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. The pressure to fit in and maintain an online presence can cause immense stress and anxiety, further contributing to the decline of mental health among students.

The solution

While it is crucial to acknowledge the role that schools play in potentially harming students’ mental health, it is equally important to recognize that schools can also be part of the solution. There is a need for a shift in the education system to prioritize the overall well-being of students. Schools should not solely focus on academic achievements but should also aim to cultivate students’ emotional intelligence, creativity, and resilience.

Schools must also provide adequate mental health support and resources. This includes hiring qualified professionals such as counselors or psychologists who can provide guidance and support to students. Additionally, schools should establish wellness programs, mindfulness practices, and initiatives that promote self-care and stress reduction among students.

Schools have a responsibility to address the impact they may have on students’ mental health. The intense focus on academic achievement, excessive workload, lack of time for leisure activities, and the influence of technology and social media all contribute to the negative effects on students’ well-being. However, by prioritizing a more balanced approach to education and providing comprehensive mental health support, schools can be proactive in promoting students’ mental health.