Exploring the Impact of SEL on Student Mental Health
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Student mental health took a hit during the pandemic — the result of school closures, disrupted routines, more time spent alone, and, in many cases, hardship in their families and communities. A recent Pew Research Center report found that nearly half of teachers say students’ anxiety and depression is a major issue at school, with that share rising to 69% and 57% for high school and middle school teachers, respectively.
Fortunately, schools are in a prime position to equip students with the tools they need to productively cope with stress and adversity. For example, helping students develop strong social-emotional learning (SEL) skills by building their personal and interpersonal capacities empowers them to recognize and manage their emotions, maintain healthy relationships and make responsible decisions — all of which can have a direct, positive impact on mental health.
The connection between SEL and mental health
The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) emphasizes that SEL and mental health are not the same. That said, SEL can contribute to positive mental health in many ways by cultivating what CASEL calls “protective factors” that provide a buffer against mental health risks. In short, it can support students’ mental health by equipping them with the skills needed to tackle modern-day stressors.
A recent Gallup poll identified the top driver of Gen Z happiness as having purpose and meaning in their work or school, which SEL skills can support through self-awareness and self-management. These and other core attributes help youth identify their values and strengths, which contribute to that sense of meaning and purpose.
Strengthening schools by strengthening SEL
Building SEL skills can create a healthier environment throughout the school community.
Nearly 60% of educators say they address student mental health challenges at least a few times a week, and roughly the same percentage say they have to address students’ behavioral problems on a daily basis. Strengthening SEL has the potential to help mitigate these issues. However, even though educators may recognize that SEL empowers students to respond constructively and navigate difficult situations with confidence, they routinely feel pressure to cover other academic priorities as dictated by the school or district. This pressure makes it easy to shift focus away from practicing SEL skills, which is why it’s important to recognize how to weave them into traditional academic activities.
Here are some ways to easily incorporate SEL skill builders throughout the school day:
- Incorporate regular “brain breaks”: Research shows that taking a pause every 20 to 30 minutes can positively shift your mindset. These breaks could entail a brief period of activity, mindfulness practices or breathing techniques that help kids experience being present and managing emotions so they learn to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively.
- Do a “turn and talk”: This icebreaker activity lets kids practice their socializing and listening skills. Everyone has something they want to get out, whether it’s that they didn't get enough sleep last night or that their shirt is really itchy. Encourage them to connect with their neighbor about something that’s on their mind or a hot topic; teachers can model this strategy and provide prompts and conversation starters. Prompting students to regularly reflect on their thoughts, feelings and behaviors can cultivate self-awareness and empathy.
- Institute a daily or weekly gratitude session: Have kids talk to a partner or write down three things they’re grateful for as a way to inspire a hopeful mindset and help them tune into focusing on small moments.
- Adopt cooperative learning activities: Group projects, team-building exercises and other collaborative activities require students to practice communication, compromise and emotional management while fostering better peer relationships that contribute to better mental health.
SEL is key to a comprehensive mental health support program for schools
By introducing SEL and practicing related skills, schools provide students with tools that help maintain positive mental health. Yet, it’s important to recognize that even though SEL assists with building resilience and navigating stressors, it’s not the entire answer for those students living with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. SEL is a component of a comprehensive mental health program; in addition to training educators to teach SEL, campuses should offer other mental health supports and resources to students that help with prevention, intervention and treatment.
Want more info on how your school or district can strengthen mental health across the school community? Pearson can help! We have the resources and tools to help you help your students reach their full potential and success academically while improving school climate. Check out our Mental Health Resource Center or Behavior Management resources. We also offer SEL training workshops for schools looking to implement an SEL framework within their campus or district.