Kids' Mental Health: Schools Matter More Than We Thought

Schools did more than teach lessons during the pandemic. They kept kids' mental health in check. A recent study dug into health records of over 185, 700 kids in California. It found that kids who went back to school sooner had fewer mental health issues. This included depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Girls seemed to benefit the most from returning to school. Their mental health improved more than boys. The study showed that after schools reopened, mental health diagnoses dropped. So did spending on mental health care and medications. Why did schools make such a big difference? Kids missed out on socializing with friends. Their sleep schedules went haywire. Screen time shot up. Eating habits weren't the best. Learning took a hit. And accessing mental health services became harder. Being stuck at home didn't help either. Especially if parents lost jobs. All these factors likely took a toll on kids' mental health. The study suggests that keeping schools open safely should be a priority. Schools aren't just for learning. They're a vital support system for kids.