As students across Wisconsin return to classrooms for a new school year, mental health experts are reminding families that the transition can be a significant source of stress for many children.
Linda Hall, director of the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health, said students often face a variety of changes at the start of the school year, from new teachers and classmates to entirely new school environments.
“Maybe they’re in a different school than the previous year. They’ve got a different teacher, different group of friends that they’re classmates they’re gonna be with,” Hall said. “And kids tell us that school is the biggest stressor in their life.”
Hall said establishing healthy routines and creating welcoming school environments can help students adjust more comfortably and build confidence as the year begins.
Mental health experts also encourage students to develop healthy coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety when challenges arise.
“Take a break and listen to some music. Some kids really benefit from taking a warm bath or a shower. That kind of helps calm the body down,” Hall said. “Another thing is to just have a conversation with a parent or maybe a good friend.”
The Office of Children’s Mental Health offers additional stress-management resources for students and families on its website.
Hall also highlighted the growth of student-led mental health and wellness programs in schools across the state. More than 300 Wisconsin schools now offer student wellness groups designed to increase awareness and peer support.
“Student wellness programs are existing in more than 300 schools throughout the state,” Hall said. “There are clubs where students are learning about mental health, how to support their peers, and really just bringing awareness about mental health and making kids feel comfortable talking about it.”
According to Hall, many students report that participating in those programs helps them feel more connected and gives them a stronger sense of belonging at school.
While schools continue expanding mental health resources, Hall said social media remains one of the biggest threats to youth mental well-being.
“I think social media would be the number one thing because some kids are spending a lot of time on it, too much time,” Hall said. “That social media pressure happens not just at school, it goes on all night long, and it’s also been a place where cyberbullying has emerged.”
Hall added that vaping is another growing concern affecting younger students as they head back to school.
More information and mental health resources for families can be found through the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health website.