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we have created "social distancing" but really need "physical distancing"

an acceptable problem

social incorporation, not social isolation

creating mandatory socialization classes, creating mental health groups, spreading educations and emphasizing the importance of mental health

creating mandatory socialization classes, spreading the education and importance of mental health to communities and schools, and spreading the awareness of

awareness from parents and students

mandatory socialization classes (with groups & discussions), fun, uplifting, positive, creative
Adding fun pages to the Wildcat Tribune (new trendy music, memes, the coolest games)
Virtual Rallies

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Some bullet points are direct quotes from the articles, but I made sure to leave a link to the articles.

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Creating Study Buddies and having them engage in school activites

Create a Study Buddies aspect of school (create virtual events to participate in, projects/volunteering to do together, etc.)

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What Does Each Source Bring to the Table?

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What Does Each Source Bring to the Table?

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SOURCE #6: Explains the stigma surrounding having a mental illness and provides a perspective of a teenager. Tips on how to approach helping a loved one with a mental illness.

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What Does Each Source Bring to the Table?

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What Does Each Source Bring to the Table?

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SOURCE #5: Explains how the pandemic is impacting students and steps to take to help benefit students during the pandemic.

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What Does Each Source Bring to the Table?

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What Does Each Source Bring to the Table?

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SOURCE #4: Explains the physical and mental impacts that screen time during the pandemic has on people, especially children.

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What Does Each Source Bring to the Table?

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What Does Each Source Bring to the Table?

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SOURCE #3: Gives solutions to help the mental health of students and provides the perspective from a school district, teachers', and counselors' point of view.

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What Does Each Source Bring to the Table?

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What Does Each Source Bring to the Table?

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SOURCE #2: The students' point of view on remote learning, how it impacts them, and what they are feeling during this remote learning process.

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What Does Each Source Bring to the Table?

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What Does Each Source Bring to the Table?

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SOURCE #1: The negative effect on high school students' mental health resulting from isolation, and with what and how they are coping with it.

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The pandemic has negatively impacted high school students by inflicting isolation, causing stressors on top of already existing high school stressors, creating mental illness and unhealthy ways of coping. while this can all be solved with social incorporation in school, spreading awareness and education in communities and schools to help erase mental health stigmas, and amplifying help being okay and available to those in need.

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Source #1 states that students who moved from in-person learning to remote learning, didn't have the accountability of being present at school. But having the accountability  makes a teen's routine concrete, and right now, during the COVID pandemic, a concrete routine is needed for a teen's mental health to be stable. Part of the cause of a teen's isolation and anxiety is caused by the unknown future of the pandemic, but if something is for sure or known, it will ultimately lessen a teen's anxiety.
So... I have a solution: Lets make a social hour! A way for high schools to help put socialization back into teens' lives, is to create a required period of socializing. Some students miss the communication and interaction with others, and some just miss the atmosphere of peers talking around them. Without this, students are left with isolation.
Although not every student misses the academic part of school, most miss the socializing part of school. When going to in-person school, it is an accountability that one must go to, but socializing is a part of going to school too. And remote learning takes away the most common and enjoyable part of going to school; socializing. So if high schools incorporates what lacks most, communication with others, in remote learning, it will bring back the authentic part of going to school.
A required social hour period could contain guided discussion, such as what we already do on discussion Mondays during Academic Leadership class: a rose, thorn, and bud; or ups and downs during the week. This will allow students to share what works best for them, and to share and relate with ideas or problems brought up. Then the rest of the period could just be talking with friends, playing games, and doing other fun activities. This social hour doesn't need to be that long, but just a decent amount where students can get their socialization in.

If students communicate to each other about how they are feeling, they can relate and know that they aren't the only one experiencing isolation.

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SOURCE #6 -  Breaking Through the Stigma: Mental Health Issues Remain a Stereotype

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SOURCE #6 -  Breaking Through the Stigma: Mental Health Issues Remain a Stereotype

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Depression is made to seem like overthinking or one doing it to themselves.

Teens with mental illness are made to seems as wanting attention or being "a problem child."

Bottled-up emotions can result in mood swings or abnormal behaviors.

"'People kept telling me that I was creating it. That made it worse,' she says." (She = a teenage girl named Trujillo who lost her Great-Grandmother)

"'Depression is an illness. It's something that one minute isn't part of your life and suddenly is. The first reaction is to be scared and not want to talk about it,' Trujillo says."

Fear of Rejection

"Unlike a physical diagnosis such as a broken limb, mental health issues are complex and even mysterious, often remaining an enigma for those struggling to overcome them."

"... for many who are suffering, the effects from stigma and discrimination can be as difficult to deal with as the disease itself."

"... children and teens with mental illness face a high level of discrimination and social rejection."

There is a shame in having a child with mental health issues built in today's society.

People think you can overcome a mental health issue by being "tougher." That is not true.

Twisted Views

Today's society has not offered enough support for people with mental health problems.

Parents are ashamed of having a child with a mental health problem because it will look like bad behavior that wasn't solved with obedience.

"According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (B.C. division), research shows that more than half of people living with mental disorders felt embarrassed about their health problems and believed they had experienced discrimination. Slightly less than half of Canadians thought a mental disorder was just an excuse for poor behaviour."

Suffering in Silence

"According to the National Stigma Study--Children, parents are more likely to seek treatment for children with disruptive disorders, while youths with depression typically receive treatment only when they themself recognize need and ask for help."

"... children with depression may be even more vulnerable than adults to stigmatization."

Some families may acknowledge a family member's mental health problems, but won't speak about them outside the family.

"'The perception of mental illness is a person living on the street. People are often seen in a bad light or stereotyped within the media.'"

"... those diagnosed are often concerned they will be blamed for their condition or viewed as weak, while teens with dealing with health issues such as depression and bipolar disorder are often thought to just be going through a normal process of teenage angst."

A lot of blame is thrown into the situation when dealing with one's mental health problems.

Mental health problems are seen as an excuse.

A toxic childhood can lead to a mental health problem later in life.

Modern-day of age is more accepting of mental health problems than the 50s and 60s generation.

Education Matters

There are more resource for parents who have a child with a mental health problem.

Positive messages need to be sent through public education.

"Experts advise targeting specific groups, such as employers, medical students and school classes, with tailored messages."

Teach how to recognize signs of suicidal behavior.

Providing education about the stigma and how it affects people with mental health problems.

Asking a doctor for education about mental health problems is a great place to start.

Educating on the subject can create open minds and hearts.

Mental illness is not talked about enough, especially in certain communities.

Words of Wisdom--How to Support a Loved One (NOTE: Section pasted directly from the article)

1. Assure them their child's mental health issue does not reflect on their parenting.

2. Let them know it's not a big deal to ask for help by reminding them that if their child had an earache, they would visit a doctor. This is no different: checking on a concern is better than writing off a child's behaviour as "just a phase."

3. Tell them to trust their gut feelings--if something doesn't seem right with their child, encourage them to ask a knowledgeable, trusted adviser for their opinion.

4. If a parent says their child has not expressed to them that they feel depressed or out of sorts, remind them that kids may not have the words for what they're feeling. Acting out may be a signal of distress. Behavioural changes should be the sign that something may be happening.

5. Remind them it's important to listen to their child, no matter what age they are, and to take the child's concerns seriously.

6. Encourage them to act quickly. Getting a child treatment as soon as possible lessens long-term effects of mental health issues. Suggest that it may be better to have their child see a professional who can assess them than to leave the situation to get worse.

7. Long-term health gains far outweigh any short-term inconvenience involved in accessing help or getting treatment. Let the parent know it's OK to be an aggressive advocate for their child; they don't have to apologize. Mental health is just as important as their child's marks and their physical health.

Citation:
Tayler, Theresa. "Breaking through the Stigma." Calgary Herald, 09 Oct 2011. SIRS Issues Researcher, https://explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2267928539?accountid=193381.

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SOURCE #5 - Educators are key in protecting student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

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SOURCE #5 - Educators are key in protecting student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Social isolation drastically impacts mental health of students.

Disconnected from others

Unstable daily routines, support systems, and security.

Young adults are the most vulnerable during the pandemic isolation.

Solutions for educators, school counselors, administrators, and parents:

1. Know the warning signs of distress in students.

Adults should acknowledge students will have elavated emotions during the pandemic.

Virtual enviornment is harder for some to engage in.

"Parents and educators should expect challenges but keep a careful lookout for sudden or extreme changes in student behavior, moods, and activities. If a student abruptly begins refusing to participate in their normal activities or begins lashing out in ways that cause harm to themselves or others, it is important to connect them with resources to help."

Educators should watch for signs in students' behaviors.

Smaller group settings

Having connection touch points

Encourage students to connect with other students (a support system)

2. Connect students with resources to help.

Find the best form of help for students

Communication

Connections between parents-to-teachers

"Educators and administrators should be proactive in sharing information about mental well-being programs available on their campus and in the community as well as school policies with parents, so that adults are working together to identify and address problems before they become more serious."

Parents should provide physical space for their teens to lessen stress during the school day.

Parents should create opportunities for their teens to go outside

Find safe ways to communicate with peers in person. (socially distanced)

Considering the high levels of stress that students, parents, and teachers have been exposed to over a long time, we all should actively seek pleasant activities and practice self-compassion to increase our ability to cope."

Reach out to counseling staff in school

3. Build social connection.

Social connection can reduce the risk of suicide.

Class size matters for social connection. Smaller class sizes produce more peer to peer connection along with a connection with teachers.

Pairing a student with a peer or older mentor

Creating active connections for students

"Educators should also be explicit with students that they are a source of support for mental-health issues."

"Encourage students to take breaks from screens when they can and take care to cultivate connections wherever possible."

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Educators are key in protecting student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Focused, meaningful interactions matter greatly.

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SOURCE #4 - Increased Screen Time During Pandemic Has Long Term Health and  Psychological Impact

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SOURCE #4 - Increased Screen Time During Pandemic Has Long Term Health and  Psychological Impact

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"From adults to kids, everyone is spending more hours on screens than ever, toggling between smart phones, tablet, computer, laptop, Kindle and Television. While private and government organizations are encouraging their employees to work from home, the Universities and schools have switched to digital learning mode."

Has a large impact on physical and mental health, says medical experts.

Excessive screen time since the beginning of the lockdown in March of 2020.

People use technology for education and entertainment during the pandemic.

Major impacts on all, but especially CHILDREN, says Dr. Subodh BN, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research while talking to The Pioneer.

Adults have more of a capability to prioritize their time on the screen than for children.

"'Behavioral changes have been witnessed in children due to their increased dependence on technology. Lack of social interaction, lack of outdoor activity and increased screen time leads to lack of concentration, increased anxiety, irritability, sleeping disorder, stubbornness and also, physical illnesses among children. So, it is important to curtail the excessive use of digital devices to allow a child's brain the chance to rejuvenate,' Dr Subodh tells."

Parents should be aware of their child's behavior.

"... the Indian Academy of Pediatrics has stated that there are several health impacts of excessive screen time including emotional, sleep, behavioral issues impairing the growth and cognitive development."

Children under the age of 2 years should not use electronic devices and a limit of one hour for children of age 2-5 years.

"... children using mobile phones for over four hours a day developed squint and double vision."

"The study published in Neuro-Ophthalmology, an international journal, stated that three kids aged 8-12 years were examined in this observational study and it was found that on stopping the use of mobile phones, these children recovered completely."

"As per the guidelines on online classes issued by the MHRD, the duration for online classes for pre-primary students should not be more than 30 minutes on each day. For Classes I to VIII, the MHRD has recommended not more than two sessions of 30-45 minutes on a given day while for Classes IX to XII, not more than four sessions of 30-45 minutes duration have been recommended for a day."

"Emphasizing on the need for effective implementation of the Ministry's guidelines, Dr Swati says, 'Due to increased dependence on technology, we have observed a surge in issues like anger, frustration, and stress in children and even, suicidal tendencies among adolescents. Cases of obesity, skin problems, allergies and eye problems have also increased among children during the pandemic.'"

Parents should monitor the amount of time their child is on electronic devices.

"'Instead of this, we recommend parents to engage children in yoga, indoor games and to go out for a walk or play outdoor games keeping in view the safety protocols,' Dr Swati adds."

"'Use of screens cause eye strain because we blink less when we look at them for a longer period. Whether it's adults or children, we recommend keeping a good distance from the screen, using bigger screens and enough blinking while working on digital tools.'"

"'... Blinking frequency is important and closing eyes for half a minute after spending 10-15 minutes on screen is recommended,' Dr Grewal adds."

Limit electronic usage for just online school.

Citation:
"Increased Screen Time during Pandemic has Long Term Health and.." Pioneer (New Delhi), 17 Aug 2020. SIRS Issues Researcher, https://explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2448714472?accountid=193381.

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SOURCE #3 - A Simmering Mental Health Crisis for U.S. Schoolchildren

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SOURCE #3 - A Simmering Mental Health Crisis for U.S. Schoolchildren

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"More than 10 months into the pandemic, mental health is a simmering crisis for many of the nation's schoolchildren, partly hidden by isolation but increasingly evident in the distress of parents, the worries of counselors and an early body of research."

"Holed up at home, students dwell in the glare of computer screens, missing friends and teachers. Some are failing classes. Some are depressed. Some are part of families reeling with lost jobs, gaps in child care or bills that can't be paid."

"Some students care for, or grieve, relatives with covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, which has claimed more than 400,000 lives in the United States."

Mental health problems increasing from March 2020 to October 2020 by 31% for ages 12-17 and by 24% for ages 5-11, compared to in 2019.

Unstable routine and isolation

"'Students who might never have had a symptom of a mental health condition before the pandemic now have symptoms,' Rothman said."

NOTE: This shows the drastic impacts that the pandemic has on students' mental health.

Mental health issues are not widely discussed in her Latino community. (her = a junior who suffered from anxiety)

NOTE: If this shows no acknowledgment in one minority community, imagine how many other smaller communities don't talk about mental health. Most of America is made of smaller groups, so this no talk of mental health will affect a lot of people, especially students.

The lack of friends and peers during the pandemic seems to be a big element that affects students in highschool.

"Students who are most vulnerable are often most affected - tending to have greater family disruption and economic hardship, less access to mental health services and fewer devices for connecting to school."

Two types of students during online schooling:

1. "Experts point out that students can have very different experiences of isolating at home. Some are doing better academically - free from social anxieties, peer pressures and distractions, and getting more sleep. Some have bonded more with their families."

2. "But others are visibly struggling: kids who don't get out of bed, who stop eating, who harm themselves or withdraw from families and friends. Kids who fail their courses or no longer want to plug in."

The lack of cameras on during online classes makes it hard for teachers and counselors to see students' faces, expressions, and concerns.

"'We have to be more intentional and active.'"

There are way more mental health concerns that are hiding.

School isn't the whole cause of the negative impact on students' mental health, it can be their home environments.

Tens of thousands of abused children have not reported their abuse during the pandemic.

"Teachers are among the frequent reporters of potential abuse, a role mandated by law."

"Mental health problems were on the rise for young people before the pandemic. Suicide had reached a record high, the second-leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 24."

"Online learning means a pile of work every day."

NOTE: Teachers feel that since students are at home, that they have more free time during the pandemic to do more work than normal. But the pandemic affects students with having a lack of motivation.

"'It's hard to just come out and explicitly ask for help or ask for a break,' she said." (she = a high schooler)

Other anxiety-driven events have occurred during the pandemic: the wave of systemic racism and the storming of the capital in the United States.

"A newly published review of dozens of studies about the effects of social isolation and loneliness on the mental health of previously healthy children and adolescents found that they increased the risk of depression and possibly anxiety for up to nine years."

Students also suffer stress from their parents, not only from school.

Suicide has gone up majorly.

Clark County, Nevada lost 12 currently/previously students to suicide in the first semester of school. And lost a total of 24 students in one year to suicide.

The demand for the help of mental health problems is high.

"Two months into the pandemic, Neely lost a student who stopped in her office every day. He had struggles over the years but was turning a corner and about to be awarded the state's top diploma, she said. 'He was one of those kids I thought I'd be in touch with his entire life,' she said." (Neely = a counselor in Clark County, Nev.)

The recommended amount of counselors to students: 1 to 430. But in reality, it is: 1 to 1,400. Three times the recommended amount.

Solutions:

Mental health resources sent to families

Computer monitoring for hints of self-harm of students

Wellness checks

Active mental health teams

Hiring more counselors

Hiring more social workers

Offering hotlines to call

Community activities during class routines

Health Check-ins by teachers (shout out to Ms.Decker)

Citation:
St George, Donna, and Valerie Strauss. "A Simmering Mental Health Crisis for U.S. Schoolchildren." Washington Post, 22 Jan 2021. SIRS Issues Researcher, https://explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2479893801?accountid=193381.

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SOURCE #2 - Students Surveyed Their Peers. Here's What Their Answers Tell Us About Online Learning, Socializing and Mental Health

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SOURCE #2 - Students Surveyed Their Peers. Here's What Their Answers Tell Us About Online Learning, Socializing and Mental Health

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Stressors & Remote Learning (Student Perspective)

High school students already face a lot of stressors in high school, such as: making friends, understanding classes, and taking the SATs.

The pandemic added more stressors to the list for high school students, such as: school closures, social separation, and more screen learning that in-person learning.

"Not all at-home learning setups are created equal."

NOTE: Its very important that everyone understands this. Could also be the reason for students behaviors.

Teachers assign homework on different platforms than each other.

"Some students have taken on the added task of overseeing the schooling of a younger sibling or a job to help support their families in the midst of a global economic downturn."

Teens are subjected to other distractions, which can worsen academic learning. This can also add other stress to students.

"Almost all students surveyed described their experiences with online learning as a challenge. Those frustrations included difficulty comprehending coursework, trouble focusing and difficulties in finding reliable internet or a quiet place to study. "

Mathematics and Art classes seem to be hard to learn, considering that those subjects thrive in in-person learning.

"'Online school assumes that I have the technology I need, that I know how to do all the work, and that I don't need any teacher help. All of that was at times not true.'"

NOTE: This is very important! This is what online school expects. Let's compare that to what in-person schooling expects.

"School can be a safe place to escape, particularly for those with troubled family lives, respondents said. It's also where they connect with their peers."

Mental Health (Student Perspective)

No mental support available

Teachers have little/no compassion for one personally and only care about the work.

Can't stay motivated

Can't be productive

Too many distractions

Trouble focusing

Can't remember schedules

"'With everything going on right now with the COVID-19 or the protests for Black Lives Matter, it can be hard to want to sit and right an essay on 'Antigone.''"

NOTE: School is in its own un-realistic bubble? Needs to be accommodated with reality.

Citation:
Baruchman, Michelle. "Students Surveyed their Peers. here's what their Answers Tell Us.." The Seattle Times, 03 Sep 2020. SIRS Discoverer, https://explore.proquest.com/sirsdiscoverer/document/2466092235?accountid=193381.

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SOURCE #1 - Pandemic Isolation Has Some Teens Turning to Substance Use. This School Has Found Ways to Fight Back

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SOURCE #1 - Pandemic Isolation Has Some Teens Turning to Substance Use. This School Has Found Ways to Fight Back

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"For them, having a daily routine in a curriculum that integrates recovery with a traditional high school education has been life-saving."

NOTE: Traditional school involves the socializing aspect.

"'They're isolated, usually they've had issues in school, and they need the daily accountability of showing up at school,' Bonner said. And when the school had to move to online classes to prevent the spread of the virus in mid-March, 'they just didn't have that.'"

"And a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health this month that surveyed Canadian teenagers about alcohol use, binge drinking, pot use and vaping found that alcohol and cannabis use increased among the study's participants in the three weeks after lockdowns began in their communities."

"They're looking for an escape, something that helps them feel good, because socialization has been a big part of their lives, and that's not true anymore."

"Kids in early recovery just really need the daily structure of school."

Substance use has increased among all age groups to cope with stress and isolation during the pandemic.

Citation:
Whelan, Aubrey, and Bethany Ao. "Pandemic Isolation has some Teens Turning to Substance use.." Philadelphia Inquirer, 10 Sep 2020. SIRS Discoverer, https://explore.proquest.com/sirsdiscoverer/document/2481360841?accountid=193381.

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How does the pandemic negatively impact high school students’ social health and mental health, and what steps can a school take to prevent or improve those impacts?