The mental health crisis affecting youth in the United States has reached an unprecedented high. According to a 2021 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 42% of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness that disrupted their usual activities — a staggering figure that has risen from 28% in 2011 and is expected to grow. Over the past decade, there has also been a concerning increase in the percentage of high school students who seriously considered suicide, made plans for suicide, or even attempted it.
As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s critical that we remember these statistics are more than just numbers — they represent the lives of real children. This issue is even more pressing when you consider summer break is here, during which many of these students will lose the vital support their schools provide. That is why summer school programs are key to addressing this challenge.
Schools serve as more than just academic institutions — they play a critical role in the mental health and well-being of students through education, prevention and early intervention. These institutions provide a safe, supportive environment where students can establish trusting relationships with their peers, counselors, teachers and coaches. Research has shown that students who feel valued by adults and peers in their school environment are less likely to experience emotional distress, contemplate suicide, engage in or become a victim of physical violence, receive STI diagnoses, or use drugs in adolescence and adulthood.
As parents, it’s important to recognize that summer days without the structure of school and its associated daily interactions can lead children to feel isolated, lonely and sad. In recent years, children have attempted to placate those feelings with rampant social media use.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory, 95% of children aged 13 to 17 reported using a social media platform, and more than a third of those claimed to use social media “almost constantly.” It should come as no surprise that filling their days of summer break with social media can have a negative effect, and when asked, 46% said social media made them feel worse. In fact, a highly sensitive period of brain development occurs in adolescents from the ages of 10 to 19, and during this time, mental health challenges such as depression and increased susceptibility to peer opinions and comparisons can emerge. That makes the need for meaningful connections essential during summer break.
It’s important to note, in 2021, that only 18% of U.S. families had a stay-at-home parent not working for pay. While more companies are embracing remote work, it does not necessarily mean working parents can actively engage with their children throughout the workday. So, as parents, how do we incorporate meaningful activities and interactions during summer break to prevent feelings of isolation, loneliness and sadness? One solution is to maintain involvement in school programs and activities, and fortunately, there are options that can meet your family’s unique needs.
Summer school courses are a popular choice for families who want to maintain structure in their schedule and keep their children engaged in learning throughout the entire year. These courses provide an opportunity for students to explore a topic they are genuinely interested in, gain valuable skills, or work toward an early graduation or a lighter class schedule in their senior year. Additionally, participating in summer school courses is an effective way to prevent summer learning loss, particularly for students who may need extra reinforcement of challenging concepts. Most importantly, the structured nature of these courses and the daily interactions they offer help students stay connected and work toward a positive goal — giving purpose to their summer days.
Still, summer school is not always an option for families who rely on a school bus or carpool for transportation. That is why many families turn to online schools, such as K12, for summer programs that students can participate in from their own homes. In addition to offering summer courses, K12 provides a wide range of enrichment and socialization opportunities within a safe environment. For example, the K12 Zone is an interactive virtual campus, where K12 students can make friends, attend club meetings and enjoy activities such as trivia nights. Students also have unlimited, free access to an extensive online library through Big Universe and educational gaming platforms, including Minecraft Education and Stride Skills Arcade. K12 also places a strong emphasis on the importance of students’ mental health by providing tips and resources on their mental health awareness hub. These resources can help students continue learning and engaging with their peers throughout the summer break.
As parents, we might not always be aware when our children feel lonely or sad. And while we can do our best to recognize the signs and teach them how to cope with strong or negative emotions, it might not always be enough. By taking a proactive approach and engaging them in summer activities, like summer school, we can help them stay connected and maintain a support system. And by working together, parents and educators can strive to uplift and encourage our children throughout the year.
Charles Woods is executive director of Arizona Virtual Academy and Insight Academy of Arizona. He has served students, parents, educators and communities through his educational career for more than 19 years.
