How We Can Improve Student Well-Being in Our Schools: A Community Approach

Student well-being, both mental and physical, is a growing concern in schools across the country.

As parents, caregivers, and community members, we all want to ensure that our students feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed. However, the reality is that too many students are falling

through the cracks, and not just those who come from struggling households. Even kids with strong support systems at home can slip away, feeling unheard, unsupported, and left to navigate challenges alone. 

I’ve seen it happen in my own family. My son, despite having every resource available to him, still struggled within a school system that failed to provide the structure and support he needed. He was surrounded by adults who were supposed to be watching out for him, yet he found himself caught up in the wrong crowd, making choices that led him down a path that could have had lifelong consequences. In the end, I had to pull him out of the school and move him to online learning to reset his environment. 

Years before that, my daughter faced similar challenges. She struggled so much within our local district that we made the difficult decision to transfer her to another school system. The change made all the difference. She flourished, regained confidence, and is now proudly serving in the Navy. The contrast in her experience showed me firsthand that school culture matters. It’s not just about what programs exist, it’s about how they are implemented and whether students feel truly supported by the adults around them. 

So the question we need to ask ourselves as a community is this: 

Are we doing everything we can to make sure students have access to the support they need? 

The Current Landscape: Why Students Struggle to Get Support 

Studies show that mental health challenges among students are at an all-time high: 

• 1 in 5 students experiences a mental health disorder in a given year, yet only about 20% receive treatment. 

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10-24. 

• More than 2 million U.S. teens report using drugs in a given year, with many starting in middle and high school restrooms. 

Yet, despite these alarming statistics, students often face significant barriers when trying to get help. These include: 

Limited awareness – Many students do not know what resources exist or how to access them. 

Fear of stigma – Concerns about being judged or labeled often prevent students from speaking up. 

Lack of school engagement – Some schools do not actively promote or connect students to available support services. 

Gatekeeping of resources – School staff may unintentionally (or intentionally) limit referrals, leaving students without access to professional help. 

What Parents and Guardians Can Do to Help 

While schools play a critical role, parents and guardians are the first line of support for students. But even then, I can tell you from experience—sometimes, even when you do everything right at home, the school environment can still pull them in a different direction. 

Here are a few ways you can help your child navigate mental health, substance use, and emotional well-being: 

1. Start the Conversation Early 

   Many students hesitate to talk about struggles because they feel ashamed or fear punishment. 

   Ask open-ended questions: “How have you been feeling lately?” 

   Normalize mental health discussions: Talk about emotions just like you would physical health. 

   Create a judgment-free space: Let your child know they can come to you without fear of immediate consequences. 

   
   

2. Monitor School Climate and Engagement 

   Parents can play a key role in making sure their child’s school is fostering a safe and supportive environment. 

   Ask your child about their school experience. Do they feel safe? Do they know where to go for help? 

   Engage with teachers, counselors, and administrators. Don’t wait for a crisis—be proactive. 

   Advocate for transparency. Schools should clearly communicate what resources exist and how students can access them. 

   
   

3. Teach Healthy Coping Skills 

   Many students turn to unhealthy behaviors like drug use because they lack effective coping strategies. 

   Encourage healthy outlets like sports, music, journaling, or mindfulness practices. 

   Teach problem-solving skills so students can navigate challenges without turning to harmful behaviors. 

   Be mindful of stressors like academic pressure, social media, and peer influences can all contribute to anxiety and depression. 

   
   

4. Know the Warning Signs of Mental Health Struggles 

   It’s not always obvious when a student is struggling. Some signs to watch for include: 

   Sudden changes in behavior (withdrawal, anger, irritability) 

   Declining grades or loss of interest in school 

   Increased secrecy or isolation 

   Talk of hopelessness or self-harm 

If you notice these signs, don’t ignore them. Reach out to a professional, a school counselor, or a trusted support system. 

How Schools Can Improve Student Access to Support 

While parents play a key role, schools must take an active approach to creating an environment where students feel safe and supported. Here are a few steps schools can take: 

Make mental health and substance use resources visible. Students should never have to search for help, it should be actively promoted through posters, classroom discussions, and staff engagement. 

Encourage self-referral options. Not all students feel comfortable going to a counselor directly. Providing QR codes, online forms, or anonymous ways to seek help can break down barriers. 

Train all staff, not just counselors, on mental health awareness. Every adult in a school setting should understand the warning signs of a struggling student. 

Foster a culture of openness, not judgment. If students feel their struggles will be met with skepticism or dismissal, they will stay silent. 

Advocating for Change as a Community 

We all have a role in ensuring that students receive the support they need. If you are a parent, caregiver, educator, or community member, here’s how you can help: 

• Ask your local schools about their mental health and substance use support programs. Are they accessible? Are students aware of them? 

• Attend school board meetings. Voice your concerns about student well-being and ask what’s being done. 

• Encourage schools to work with community organizations. Partnerships with mental health and substance use professionals strengthen student support systems. 

• Talk to your kids about what they’re experiencing at school. If they tell you they don’t feel supported, take that seriously. 

Final Thoughts 

Ensuring that students have access to mental health and substance use support is not just a school issue, it is a community responsibility. Parents, educators, school administrators, and local leaders must work together to remove barriers, foster a culture of openness, and ensure that no student falls through the cracks. 

Even students with strong home support, like my own, can struggle in a school system that doesn’t prioritize their well-being. But the students whose parents don’t have the time, energy, or resources to advocate for them? They are struggling even more. 

The first step is awareness. The next step is action. If we don’t address these issues now, how many more students will continue to struggle in silence? 

It’s time to make real change. 

Sources: 

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2023). Mental Health by the Numbers. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov 

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023). Monitoring the Future Study. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov