The Mental, Physical, and Global Health Crisis By: Myles Barnwell

Over the past few years, health has become one of the most urgent issues facing students, families, and communities across America. From the rise in bad mental health to the importance of staying physically active, schools are being forced to consider not only academic achievement, but also how to protect the physical and emotional well-being of students. According to the National Education Association, “To say we don’t need mental health supports? Its like saying you don’t need air. Its unimaginable!” The urgency of student’s overall health is a topic that everyone around the world has considered.

 Good mental health is the key to success in school, more broadly, in life. According to Learning Policy Institute, “Research shows that good mental health is key to the success of all children and adolescents in school and life. Students’ mental health challenges encompass overall social, emotional, and behavioral health challenges such as feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness or thoughts of self-harm. Data reveals that young people today show troubling signs of declining mental health, raising alarm among parents, educators, health professionals, and policymakers and creating an urgent need for solutions.” These struggles have created an urgent need for solutions. And students are dependent on schools to respond to their emergency.

Students themselves are aware of these issues. Chrisette Gardner, a junior in high school explained, “Yes, I do think mental health is important. Because a lot of people suffer with mental health issues, and a lot of people don’t know how to deal with it, so they do bad things.” Karma Koch, a sophomore added, “The world has gone terrible, and that’s leading to more and more children and teens with bad health… Support them.” The students’ words should be enough to call for more mental health education and support in schools.

Physical health has also been affected. Schools have long been a place where kids could strengthen their bodies through recess, sports, and physical education. Research from the CDC shows that, “Physical education and physical activities in schools include physical activity before and after school, physical education, physical activity during school, family and community engagement, and staff involvement.” These activities not only build strong bodies, but also help students manage stress and prevent long-term health issues. However, as lifestyles become more technology driven, many students struggle to balance screen time and healthy habits.

Students have noticed that advances in modern technology have conflicting results on students’ health. Chrissette Gardner says, “It can be a bit of both. Healthier because you know how to deal with it. You can look it up. But it can also be harder because you can like, look and see more bad influences." The contrast between the good and bad outcomes of technology have destroyed safe spaces, you cannot find support in many places on the internet. That’s why schools are building safer, more helpful communities to aid students that struggle with personal issues.

Globally mental health is becoming more recognized because of social media and rising awareness of how young people are affected. Many students feel pressured to look or live a certain way, and the constant exposure to online comparisons has worsened anxiety. Karma Koch noted, “II feel it is becoming more prominent, especially in teenagers and young adults because of social media and how many young children are using it. So, I feel like with the increasing use of social media, the mental health quality of our generation has declined.” 

As the world continues to change, it is clear that physical, mental, and global health are all connected. Schools have a responsibility not only to teach math and reading, but to also give students the tools to care for their bodies and minds. A healthy future begins with honest conversation and real action to support the next generation.