Millions of people struggle with mental health issues, and that includes the children in our schools. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to know how your child is doing in school, what they need, and how you can help. This includes identifying telltale signs that something is off with your child’s behavior at home and following it up with the school.
In truth, at times, it can be hard for parents to notice their children’s mental health issues. But what if the school is aware of such issues? Are they obligated to contact you and notify you about your child’s issues? Learn about common mental health issues, their warning signs, and what parents and schools can do to support children.
What Are the Common Mental Health Issues in Schools?
According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in four different U.S. school districts, roughly 1 in 6 students had enough emotional or behavioral symptoms and impairments to fit the criteria of a childhood mental disorder. The CDC explains that the risks of mental health disorders vary from community to community. The study also revealed that anxiety disorders were the most commonly reported disorders among students.
Other mental health issues that affect school-age children include:
- Depression: This is the lasting feeling of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and having an irritable mood.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder: This happens when a child becomes emotionally upset and worried, has scary memories, and acts out in response to injury, abuse, or violence.
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Children with ADHD have trouble paying attention in school, have hyperactivity, and act on impulse.
- Autism spectrum disorder: This neurological condition affects how children talk and connect with others.
- Eating disorders: Disorders such as anorexia nervosa and binge eating can affect how children act socially and emotionally. These disorders can cause life-threatening physical complications.
- Schizophrenia: This is a disorder in thoughts and perceptions that causes children to see and hear things that aren’t there.
What Risk Factors and Triggers Lead to Mental Health Issues?
Risk factors for mental health issues among children include:
- Early puberty
- Conduct disorder
- Head trauma
- Social and gender inequalities
- Exposure to abuse or violence
- Substance abuse
- Discrimination and injustice
- Family or marital conflict
- Genetic predisposition
- Divorce
- Parent-child conflict
- Peer rejection
- Traumatic events, such as a car accident or loss of a loved one
- Poverty
What Are the Warning Signs of Mental Health Issues in Children?
Every child experiences ups and downs in school. Developmental changes, changing classrooms, and peer influence are all sources of stress that can affect a child’s mental health. Through all these changes, parents need to keep a lookout for the telltale signs of mental health issues in children, which include:
- Short temper
- Drastic changes in personality or behavior
- Dramatic weight gain or loss
- Agitation
- Extreme difficulty concentrating
- Severe mood swings
- Sensitivity to sound, touch, or other stimuli
- Antisocial tendencies
- Absence from school
- Violent physical tendencies
- Signs of self-harm, such as wearing long sleeve shirts in hot weather and avoiding activities like swimming
- Deliberate destruction of property
- Low energy
- Noticeable lack of engagement in class
- Signs of substance abuse, such as a reluctance for parents to meet new friends
- Doing poorly in school
- Frequent headaches and stomachaches
- Trouble sleeping
If you notice your child displaying any obvious signs of mental health issues, don’t ignore it. Failing to acknowledge the problem can make matters worse.
Should Schools Inform Parents About Their Kids’ Mental Health Issues?
According to the Parents’ Bill of Rights for Public Schools (La. R.S. 17:406.9), the Louisiana legislature finds that parental involvement is a crucial factor in increasing student performance. The bill also states that access to student information encourages parental involvement in their children’s welfare. The Parents’ Bill of Rights for Public Schools grants parents the right to inspect their child’s school records and receive a copy within 10 business days after submitting a written request.
School records include:
- Records of mental health counseling
- Medical records
- Academic records
- Records of attendance
- Records of discipline
- Records of any vocational counseling
- Records of learning challenges
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Rule, schools can disclose protected health information to parents regarding their kids’ mental health issues when the disclosure isn’t inconsistent with state laws.
For example, Louisiana school district policies must include provisions for parental notification in instances where children are bullied in schools. Governing authorities in public elementary and secondary schools must notify parents or legal guardians of all involved students and offer victims counseling options.
What Can Schools Do To Address Mental Health Problems?
School administrators and teachers have neither the skills nor training to address mental health issues in schools adequately. Schools, however, have the power to make classrooms and the school environment as safe as possible for students by:
- Linking students to mental health services
- Training and supporting staff on mental health issues
- Reviewing discipline policies to foster equity
- Creating awareness around mental health problems
- Building a safe and supportive environment free of bullying, harassment, violence, and substance abuse
- Reduce mental health stigma
What Can Parents Do To Address Their Children’s Mental Health Problems?
Parents and families of kids facing mental health challenges can:
- Talk to them about the issue
- Foster open and honest communication
- Encourage socialization
- Model health coping skills, such as deep breathing and going for walks
- Watch for behavior changes
- Let them know they are loved and supported
- Provide encouragement and positive feedback
- Talk about feelings and emotions regularly
- Enroll in training programs designed for parents of kids with mental health issues
- Look for ways to relax, bond, and have fun with them
- Communicate with teachers and school administrators regularly
- Consult mental health experts for advice
How Should Schools and Parents Handle Mental Health Issues?
As a parent, it can be hard to notice your child’s mental challenges. If you suspect your child has a mental health problem, talk to their teachers to find out if they’ve noticed any behavioral changes. Schools have a responsibility to notify parents of any issues in school that affect their mental health, including bullying and discrimination. Parents, on the other hand, should consult mental healthcare professionals and seek legal advice when addressing their children’s challenges.
