Education Funding Falls Short in Addressing Students’ Mental Health Needs
Between March 2020 and March 2021, K-12 schools in the United States received approximately $190 billion in federal funding. This funding was earmarked to help students recover from the academic and emotional challenges of the pandemic. School districts have effectively employed professionals, including counsellors, social workers, psychologists, and other support staff, using all available resources. However, this measure, which was expected to have a significant impact, has fallen short of the demands of the current labour market. Schools, particularly in rural areas where services have traditionally been inadequate, have been disproportionately affected by these shortages.
As a result, substantial funds have been allocated to significantly increase the number of care providers. Several school districts continued to face challenges in meeting the mental health needs of their students even after the end of this funding. According to California's Children's Trust (CDC), one in three high school students experienced poor mental health during the pandemic.
School counsellors, social workers, and psychologists provide support for students' mental health. However, their heavy workloads and increasing demands are not enough to meet the needs of all students. To enhance the mental health support provided to students, school districts must broaden the current approach to care. Peer counselling is an effective alternative solution that can supplement traditional methods, providing benefits such as early intervention and the cultivation of social-emotional skills.
Digital mental health products can effectively address gaps in mental health resources and complement face-to-face services. Schools may encounter barriers in adopting and implementing these technologies, but allocating appropriate resources is critical to creating a brighter future. Investing in culturally and age-appropriate technological solutions developed by entrepreneurs is key to supporting school systems and students, especially in the face of decreasing federal funding.