We tend to think of summer vacation as a happy time; students and teachers alike look forward to the celebration of the last day of school, and we like to imagine all of our students enjoying time with their families.
Unfortunately, for many students, summer break isn’t only a time of joy and celebration. Studies show that summer break can come along with worse mental health and socioeconomic problems for children and teens. While summer might be a welcome period of rest for them, it can also come with a mixed bag of emotions.
In today’s blog, we’ll talk about how summer break affects students’ mental health, and what districts can do to support.
Why student mental health can decline during the summer
There are many reasons why summer break might be difficult for some students. Unfortunately, many of these factors disproportionately affect students from historically oppressed communities, who suffer the consequences of resource disparity not only in the summer but all year long.
Lack of structure
The sudden absence of structure can significantly affect mental health, especially for students who don’t have access to summer programs like camp or extracurricular activities. The summer break leaves many students with long periods of unstructured time, which can lead to feelings of boredom and understimulation. For some children and teens, this might lead to mental health problems like depression or unhealthy coping behaviors like substance use.
In addition, unstructured time often equals often supervised time, which can lead children and adolescents to be at higher risk of engaging in risky behaviors.
Lack of mental health resources
Many students also rely on their schools for mental health (and sometimes physical health) resources. For example, they may have had regular sessions with a school counselor or social worker only to lose this support during the summer months.
Unfortunately, so many families face too many barriers to be able to realistically maintain the same level of mental health support outside of school, which means that students could lose access to mental health resources altogether during the summer break.
Trauma in homes and neighborhoods
For some students, summer break means that they’re spending more time in places and around people that aren’t safe for them. School offers a safe environment that, for many students, is a welcome escape from a violent household or community.
During the summer, these students may be forced to spend longer amounts of time in these unhealthy environments, which can cause traumatic stress. We also tend to see an increase in crime during the summer months, which could be traumatic for students in some communities as well. You might see students return to school in the fall showing signs of trauma, which highlights the importance of trauma-informed learning.
Food insecurity
Many families also depend on school districts for food programs like healthy breakfasts and lunches for their children. Without this support, students may face food insecurity and hunger during the summer.
Loneliness and isolation
Lastly, school is not only an environment for academic learning – it’s also a place where most students get their social needs met. Even in rural or spread-out areas where students live far away from each other, they can see their friends, as well as trusted adults, at school. Social connection plays an important role in mental health and can help students be more resilient against trauma.
During the summer, many students don’t have the same access to social connection and support. They may spend much of their time alone, which can have a negative impact on their mental health.
How school districts can support student mental health during the summer break
Summer is not inherently a negative time, and it can be a welcome break in academic pressure for many students. But it’s important to be inclusive and understand that some children may not have the same joyful experience of summer vacation as others. School districts can play a crucial role in supporting these students and making sure they get through the summer break equipped with as many resources as possible.
Here are some ways that school districts can support their student community during the summer break and beyond.
Provide as many resources as you can
If it’s possible, keep offering essential programs like after-school clubs or free breakfast and lunch during the summer. These resources can provide some structure and ensure that students have access to essential services like nutritious meals. Keeping these services going helps students feel supported and cared for even when school’s out – which can mitigate some of the negative effects of the break.
Spread knowledge about community resources
Host workshops and send home flyers about community resources that can support students over the summer. Make sure families know about local programs that offer continued mental health support, free or affordable summer camps, and other community services. Being proactive in this way can ensure that students and their families know about and can access the help they need.
Provide access to tech
If your district uses tech like educational apps or tablets during the school year, consider allowing students to keep using them over the summer. This can help students continue learning and stay engaged – which reduces the amount of unstructured time. Providing access to technology also supports students who might otherwise lack resources to stay mentally stimulated and academically active.
Train teachers in trauma-Informed learning
It’s crucial for teachers to understand the impact of trauma, especially when students return to school after summer break. Students might come back displaying worse behavioral problems. But these behavioral issues might be a sign of underlying trauma rather than misbehavior. Training teachers in trauma-informed practices equips them to support students more effectively and creates a safer and more understanding classroom environment.
Focus on SEL during the year
Prioritizing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) throughout the school year can help students build resilience and develop essential skills for coping with life. These skills empower students to navigate challenges more effectively, both during the summer and beyond. A strong foundation in SEL can make a big difference in how students cope with the ups and downs of their lives.
Sign your district up for Calm Classroom’s mindfulness program
Research shows that mindfulness is one of the best ways to help students become more resilient. Even if you can’t be with your students during the summer or change their circumstances at home, you can help them learn how to bounce back. By teaching the skill of mindfulness to your students, you can help them become more self-aware and be more prepared to deal with the challengers in their lives.
Calm Classroom is an easy SEL option that helps anyone teach and practice mindfulness, regardless of previous experience. Learn more about our programs or get in touch with us today.
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