Child Health in Schools

It is no secret that children's mental health has been a crisis even before the current pandemic, although this has worsened the situation considerably. Many factors have led to dramatically increased levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in our children. The good news is that with investment in supports, we can improve mental health in our children. Some ideas for initiatives (with parent approval for younger children):

• Add mental health questions to routine child health screenings in schools

• Coach teacher awareness of the signs of adverse child mental health

• Increase the availability of school-based counseling services

• Allow children a number of "mental health days" each year, for which they may be absent from school (exam days exempt except by arrangement)

Find out more:

https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/index.html

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/01/18/953581851/ive-tried-everything-pandemic-has-cut-options-for-kids-with-mental-illness

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-health/generation-risk-america-s-youngest-facing-mental-health-crisis-n827836

Childhood obesity is an increasing problem in the United States, leading to chronic health problems such as Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension. These and other chronic health conditions can shorten life expectancy when they develop early in life. Many children's health problems, particularly the health of adolescents, are exacerbated by insufficient sleep. Adequate sleep is critical to maintaining child physical and mental health. Some ideas in this area:

• Prioritize in-person learning, especially for younger children

• Use school-based Registered Nurses to conduct a program of regular health screenings with further support and referral to improve correctable health

• Optimize school start times, especially for high schools, to align with developmental neurological parameters

• Implement a program to foster responsible use of screen time and social media

Find out more:

https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/children-health.htm

https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/children

https://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/NutritionandPhysicalActivity