As Mental Health Week continues, educators and health professionals say today’s students are navigating a more complex mental health landscape than ever before.
Karen Baker, a public health nurse working directly in schools across the region, says the data reflects a significant shift over the past decade.
She says students are balancing increased screen time, social pressures and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which are shaping how mental health challenges appear in the classroom.
Those challenges are often visible in day-to-day school life.
Baker says anxiety, low mood and disengagement can all impact a student’s ability to attend school and stay connected with peers and learning.
At the same time, she says many schools are making intentional efforts to build mentally healthy environments, including mental health literacy programs and student-led initiatives that encourage connection and support.
One of the biggest factors influencing student well-being continues to be screen time and social media use.
She says that level of device use can interfere with sleep patterns and overall health, both of which are closely tied to mental well-being.
For parents, Baker says it is important to watch for changes in behaviour, increased withdrawal, sleep disruption and excessive screen time – while also working to rebuild strong connections with schools and support systems.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available through family doctors, walk-in clinics and community services. The Canadian Mental Health Association (cmhahkpr.ca) offers a wide range of local mental health resources all in one place, and the Ontario Health Team of Northumberland’s Come Together event on Friday, May 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cobourg Community Centre will bring together 35 organizations to connect residents with help in person.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
