Student Mental Health Challenges Over the Summer and Resources to Address Them

Posted on June 15, 2024

At International Survey Associates, our mission is driven by our commitment to working with community coalitions and education partners to provide research, resources, and data on the current issues affecting today’s youth and adolescents. This month, we focus on student mental health challenges over the summer and resources that parents and educators can use for support.

As summer kicks off, many expect students to revel in the freedom and relaxation of their break. However, data reveals a concerning trend: student mental health often suffers during the summer months. Summer break is a time for kids to relax and have fun, but it can also lead to learning loss, known as the “summer slide.” Understanding why student mental health declines during the summer is crucial for developing effective prevention programming and evidence-based strategies.

While summer might seem like a perfect time for students to unwind, several factors contribute to increased mental health challenges during this period.

• Lack of Structure: During the school year, students have a routine schedule. The sudden loss of this can lead to feelings of aimlessness and anxiety. The absence of daily academic and extracurricular activities can disrupt a student’s sense of purpose and accomplishment, leading them to get involved in sometimes more unsavory activities.
• Social Isolation: School provides a social environment where students interact with peers daily. Over the summer, these interactions can diminish, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. This is particularly concerning for students who rely on school as their primary source of social engagement.
• Increased Substance Use: Data indicates a spike in substance use among adolescents during the summer. Without the oversight and accountability provided by school environments, some students may engage in risky behaviors, including drug and alcohol use. The lack of drug-free communities and prevention programming during summer contributes to this increase.

 

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including evaluation, community coalition efforts, and strategies that begin right in the home for both the individual and their families. By implementing and sustaining evidence-based prevention programming, communities, and families can work to mitigate the adverse effects of summer on student mental health.

One way to do this is by parents modifying the physical, social, and economic environments to promote healthier behaviors. Bringing them to safe and engaging community spaces where children can gather and participate in supervised activities can reduce isolation and risky behaviors as long as the parents have researched what they are putting their kids into for the summer. Check out local community centers, libraries, and schools for interactive summer learning programs. They make learning fun and exciting as kids explore new subjects.

We see how important it is to maintain a consistent daily routine for the child. It can provide structure and a sense of normalcy for kids so they aren’t now flooded with all this idle free time to potentially use adversely. Encourage regular sleep schedules, meal times, and activities. Engage in regular physical exercise, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety, whether it’s a family walk or biking to a certain spot in the city. Hikes are also our top recommendation if you live in a location with access to hikes or nature walks.

On a similar note, reading is also an invaluable activity that stimulates imagination, expands vocabulary, and improves comprehension skills. By motivating children to read over the summer, they can avoid learning setbacks and keep their minds active. Another option is cooking together, which can also be an opportunity to explore mathematical concepts and improve reading comprehension by following recipes. These activities not only enhance academic skills but also cultivate a sense of curiosity and independence.

Furthermore, it is important to create opportunities for students to connect with their friends or make new friends. Hanging out one-on-one, virtual meetups, social media, local camps that engage their interests, and safe in-person events can help reduce feelings of isolation.

Community coalitions, such as Drug-Free Community Coalitions (DFC), can also support student mental health during the summer. These coalitions unite parents, educators, healthcare providers, and police to work towards common goals. By leveraging the strengths and resources of each member, community coalitions can create comprehensive prevention strategies that address the root causes of youth substance abuse and student mental health challenges.

The summer months present unique challenges for student mental health, but these challenges can be addressed with the right strategies and parental involvement. By focusing on how to keep your children active and engaged, communities and parents alike can create supportive environments that promote the well-being of students year-round. If you would like more information or resources on issues like general behavioral stress, depression, addiction, or other mental health-related issues in your communities, International Survey Associates offers many options to fit various needs.