Written by Daniela Martinez
As the pandemic has reached its 1-year mark, there have been several conflicts regarding students' mental health. Whether it's slowly returning to in-person classes or participating in the new norm of full-time online school, students have both taken time to learn and grow in this quarantine while also feeling isolated and inherently stressed. For one thing, the increased use of online learning has taken a toll on many students' social lives by restricting their contact with friends and teachers, unlike in past years. During this time, teens have been susceptible to mental health issues and have had to face the reality that is burnout, feelings of depression, and anxiety.
Reflecting on the root of the issue, many parents say that their child was on task and motivated before online school. However, school closing has caused them to develop the idea that academics and putting forth your maximum effort are optional instead of their opinions about physical or in-school learning. As a result, there have been many instances where students have experienced doubt and pressure from their remote learning classes. According to the American Psychological Association, about 35% of students were receiving mental health services from schools themselves but have now leaned towards not attending to their needs and pushing away important due dates and assignments. Another idea the article by Heather Stringer notes is that many students feel a level of trust and reassurance from their teachers during in-person classes. In light of recent events, teachers have been affected by the challenges that come with online school:
Grading.
Setting up zoom meetings.
Even missing out on that one on one connection with students that they had before.
Junior Carolina Wesley notes these changes by describing the experience as "weird, to say the least." In response to her mental health, given the scholastic conditions we are facing now, Wesley says: "My mental health has been all over the place, but I try to look at the positives. Let's just say, next year, I hope we go back to normal." From another perspective, a current physical student in grade 10, Anya Malek, also had a lot to say about the matter at hand. "School overall has taken its own toll on my mental health.. it makes me feel panicked and overwhelmed due to the stress of maintaining school work with the other aspects of my life."
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