A new research report looks at how untreated mental health affects students and their school districts, highlighting its impact on academic performance, teacher retention, and school safety.
The researchers administered unique questionnaires to educators, superintendents, and parents. Overall, 62% of educators and superintendents said they are concerned about the impact of mental health on students’ academic performance. Mental health challenges have shown to disrupt student focus, resulting in declining grades and increased absenteeism.
“Mental health issues are academic issues and can no longer be siloed or deprioritized,” the authors wrote.
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Superintendents shared that untreated mental health among students can also lead to significant issues with behavior and socialization, as well as depression, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide.
“The number of students having behavioral issues within and outside of the class is increasing,” said one superintendent. “Safety is impacted not only for the students who need support, but for the students and staff at whom that behavior is directed.”
The report found 52% of educators are concerned about classroom environment and dynamics as they often find themselves trying to manage behavioral disruptions, absenteeism, and emotional outbursts that interfere with classroom learning and peer interactions.
Special education directors note many mental health challenges also stem from underlying conditions or developmental delays. However, special education and IEP provider shortages are at an all-time high, leading to burnout among special educators.
Approximately 62% of superintendents expressed concern for the wellbeing of educators and staff, and 66% said they are concerned about the growing workload for educators who must take on more responsibilities to support struggling students. The report estimates the average cost to hire one replacement educator is $20,000.
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7 Student Mental Health Barriers
As superintendents and educators try to help students navigate mental health challenges, they are continuously hitting barriers, the report shows. The seven biggest barriers are:
Insufficient funding
65% of superintendents and 69% of educators say lack of funding is one of the largest systemic hurdles in addressing mental health
Provider scarcity
61% of superintendents and 69% of educators agree limited access to mental health professionals is a significant barrier
Inadequate training
60% of superintendents agree school staff are ill-equipped to identify or address mental health challenges affecting students
Limited clinical oversight
53% of superintendents struggle to effectively manage ongoing mental health due to limited oversight and consult from clinical experts
Educator burnout
61% of superintendents and 65% of educators agree that trying to manage student mental health needs without adequate resources adds to educators’ workloads, leading to emotional and physical burnout
Low parental involvement
59% of superintendents and 59% of educators report inadequate support and involvement from parents/guardians, often leaving school staff to manage students’ mental health issues on their own
Mental health stigma
52% of superintendents say negative stigmas associated with mental health issues prevents students from seeking help
53% of educators say they are concerned about students’ interpersonal relationships, observing how mental health issues affect students’ relationships with their peers, often causing isolation and strained friendships
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Parental Input on Student Mental Health
Parents and guardians of K-12 students were also surveyed about their children’s’ mental health. Approximately 54% reported being concerned about their child’s overall health and the physical impact of mental health issues, including chronic fatigue, headaches, or stomachaches. Another 55% reported being concerned about their child’s academic performance, noting mental health issues disrupt their child’s ability to focus and succeed academically.
An overwhelming 71% of parents also reported their children have asked to miss school at least one day because of mental health or stress.
Parents were also asked what seems to best support their children through mental health struggles. Those findings include:
59% report that creative expression outlets engage their child the most
49% find social-emotional learning curriculums most effective
80% who have experience with their child using virtual services for mental health therapy report satisfaction
The researchers conclude that addressing the mental health crisis in schools requires “a coordinated effort across the entire school community.”
“This calls for urgent, creative solutions that involve all stakeholders working together to prioritize mental health and well-being,” the report concludes.