Going back to school can come with mental health challenges, and the pandemic has made them even greater for some students.
“Before the pandemic, we were already seeing concerning trends in children’s mental health, and the pandemic just made things worse,” said Dr. Ariana Hoet, a pediatric psychologist with Nationwide Children’s Hospital and clinical director for On Our Sleeves. “So increases in hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, things like eating disorders, substance use, suicidal thoughts—all of those things have increased during the pandemic.”
On Our Sleeves is a movement focusing on children’s mental health and connecting families with resources.
Concerns for the start of school include safety, pandemic-related social difficulties and bullying, Hoet said. With those concerns, she also noted it’s important for parents to have conversations with their children about their emotions and to look at what the school year might look like.
“Another thing we’re encouraging with back to school is routines, expectations, practice and having again those check-ins with kids,” Hoet said.
The On Our Sleeves website offers resources and advice for parents along with guides for preparing kids to go back to school.
