A growing number of parents support the idea of mental health days for students. However, some health care experts caution that missing school could worsen existing struggles with anxiety and other mental health challenges. Regular school attendance is crucial for a child's overall well-being.
Key Takeaways
- Parental support for student mental health days is high, with up to 75% favoring the idea.
- Chronic absenteeism rates have risen significantly since the pandemic, though they are now declining.
- Experts emphasize that regular school attendance is vital for academic, social, and long-term success.
- Twelve states currently have policies allowing excused absences for mental health reasons.
- Schools are urged to address mental health issues proactively rather than punishing absenteeism.
The Rising Trend of Mental Health Days
The concept of student mental health days has gained considerable traction in recent years. This shift reflects a broader societal recognition of mental health as a critical component of overall well-being. Parents are increasingly comfortable with the idea of allowing children to stay home when they are experiencing mental health difficulties.
Surveys highlight this trend. A 2021 study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness found that 70 percent of parents supported schools offering mental health days. The following year, a poll conducted by Verywell Mind and Parents magazine reported even higher support, with 75 percent of parents agreeing that schools should provide these days.
Furthermore, the data shows that parental actions often precede formal policies. According to the Verywell Mind and Parents poll, 56 percent of parents have already allowed their children to take a mental health day, regardless of whether their child's school had an official policy in place.
Quick Fact
Twelve states in the U.S. currently allow K-12 students to take excused absences for mental health reasons. Illinois, for example, permits five such days per school year for public school students.Impact on School Attendance and Well-being
While the intent behind mental health days is positive, some experts are concerned about the potential negative consequences of missing school. Linda Hall, director of the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health, stresses the importance of consistent attendance.
"Regular school attendance is critical to a child's well-being because it leads to improved academic, economic, health and relational outcomes over their lifetime," Hall stated.
Chronic absenteeism rates have indeed seen a significant increase. In 2022, chronic absenteeism reached its highest point in Wisconsin at 22.7 percent, meaning 134,597 students missed nearly a month of school. A student is considered chronically absent if they attend fewer than 90 percent of school days.
Although rates have since improved to 17.7 percent in 2024, they remain higher than the pre-pandemic rate of 12.9 percent in 2019. This suggests a lasting impact on school attendance patterns.
Complex Reasons Behind Absences
The reasons for chronic absenteeism are multifaceted. The Office of Children’s Mental Health points to a complex interplay of social, financial, mental, physical, and family issues. The pandemic appears to have amplified parental comfort with children staying home, even for reasons beyond traditional illness.
Hall also highlighted the long-term benefits of consistent school attendance. Children who attend school regularly tend to develop stronger relationships with their peers and teachers. These relationships are foundational for social development and emotional support.
"Not only is it these relationships, but it also affects their academic performance, their long-term wellness and earnings as adults," Hall explained. "It is an important cycle for people to be aware of."
Understanding Chronic Absenteeism
Chronic absenteeism is not just about truancy. It encompasses all absences, excused and unexcused, and often reflects deeper issues a student or family might be facing. Addressing it requires a holistic approach that considers various contributing factors.A Shift in School Approach
Instead of punitive measures for missed school days, Hall advocates for a more supportive approach. She encourages educators, school nurses, and counselors to reach out to students and families to determine if mental health is a factor in their absences. This proactive engagement can help identify underlying issues and provide necessary support.
In Milwaukee Public Schools, about half of the students are chronically absent, according to state data. Superintendent Brenda Cassellius emphasized prevention as the crucial first step in addressing this issue. She highlighted the need to create supportive environments within schools.
"We need to address mental health issues," Cassellius said. "Make sure that kids have that support in school, and that they have a trusted adult that they can turn to who is safe and welcoming."
Cassellius underscored that "safe and welcoming" are more than just words; they represent concrete actions that resonate with young people. Students need to feel a sense of belonging and trust in the adults around them.
"Kids have to feel like they belong. They have to see each other and see themselves in school and have trusted adults who care for them and check in with them every day," Cassellius concluded. This perspective emphasizes the critical role of the school environment in fostering student mental health and encouraging attendance.
The Path Forward for Schools and Families
The debate around mental health days highlights a tension between immediate student well-being and the long-term benefits of regular school attendance. Finding a balance requires nuanced policies and a strong support system within schools.
Schools must continue to evolve their understanding of student needs, moving beyond traditional discipline to embrace comprehensive mental health support. This includes training staff, providing access to counselors, and fostering a culture where students feel comfortable discussing their challenges.
Parents also play a crucial role in promoting consistent attendance while remaining attuned to their children's mental health. Open communication between home and school can help ensure that students receive the right support, whether that means a structured intervention or a temporary break to regroup.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that every student has the resources and environment needed to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, both inside and outside the classroom.
