As students continue to face complex mental and physical health challenges, schools have been tasked with an increasingly critical role in meeting their multifaceted needs.
To learn more, the EdWeek Research Center conducted a nationally representative survey of K-12 school health staffers, including school nurses and health teachers.
While most school health workers report that their students face challenges with anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, most also believe that their schools or districts have the ability to meet students’ mental health, health care, and sex education needs.
Overall, the report underscores the need for increased professional development for school health employees, particularly in helping young people cope with stress or anxiety and supporting LGBTQ+ students. It also highlights gaps in the sex education curriculum and the importance of community engagement in school health services.