As the back-to-school season in North America kicks into high gear I want to take a moment to acknowledge the hectic pace and immense pressures you face as educators and administrators. You are constantly navigating dozens of priorities, including managing the mental well-being of your students.
It’s student mental health that I want to talk about - not just as CCO, but also as a parent of two “Canvas” college students. As students return to the classroom it’s crucial to remember that the path to academic success is intertwined with the mental health challenges many of them face.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 50% of children aged 13 to 18 will experience some kind of mental disorder, with nearly 22% of those children experiencing “severe impairment or distress.” With the pressures of academic performance, social dynamics, and a rapidly changing world, we know our students are under immense stress.
I am grateful that over the last few years the conversation around mental health has gained momentum, which has yielded some positive results. The 2024 Healthy Minds Study from the University of Michigan reveals critical insights into college students' mental health, showing a slight improvement in some areas compared to previous years. While approximately 43% of students reported anxiety symptoms and nearly 36% experienced depression, these figures indicate a stabilization rather than continued escalation of mental health issues, suggesting that awareness and support efforts may be having a positive impact2.
Unaddressed Challenges in Mental Health Support
Despite increased awareness, the stats above are still highly concerning, and many problems remain unresolved:
- Stigma and Misunderstanding: Mental health issues are still often stigmatized, leaving students hesitant to seek help. This is especially true in educational environments where high achievement is prioritized, and vulnerability can feel like a weakness3.
- Limited Access to Resources: Many schools lack adequate mental health resources, including trained counselors and programs designed to support student well-being. In a world where educational technology is evolving, mental health support often lags behind4.
- Integration of Mental Health into Curriculum: While some schools have begun to incorporate mental health education, it remains largely inconsistent. Students must understand mental health not just as an isolated issue but as a crucial component of their overall development5.
- Parental Involvement: Parents often feel ill-equipped to discuss mental health with their children (I know I have.) This lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings and an inability to recognize early warning signs of distress6.
Why We Must Highlight This Issue
The importance of mental health in education cannot be overstated. Here’s why:
- Improved Academic Performance: Studies consistently show that students who receive adequate mental health support perform better academically7. When students feel emotionally safe and supported, they are more engaged and ready to learn.
- Long-Term Well-Being: Addressing mental health in education lays the groundwork for lifelong skills. Students who learn coping mechanisms and resilience early on are better equipped to face challenges throughout their lives8.
- Community and Inclusivity: A focus on mental health fosters a more inclusive school culture where all students feel valued and understood. This not only enhances peer relationships but also cultivates a sense of belonging9.
- Reducing Dropout Rates: Mental health issues can significantly contribute to high dropout rates. By providing support, we can keep students in school, ensuring they have the opportunity to succeed10.
Our Commitment to Change
At Instructure, we have assembled an internal Mental Wellness Advisory Board with employees from across departments. In collaboration with this new Board, we are actively working to develop tools, partnerships and resources that support both educators and students in this vital area. This includes:
- Resources for Educators and Canvas Administrators: Our new Mental Wellness Hub offers assistance contacts, global awareness dates, case studies, tips & tricks, resources, a discussion forum, and periodic podcasts and live events. We're excited to share this content and look forward to your valuable contributions!
- Integrating Mental Health support capabilities into our platform: We continue to collaborate with our customers to adapt our capabilities in ways that improve student well-being.
- Advocacy and Partnerships: Collaborating with mental health organizations and other technology companies to create programs that address the unique needs of students in various settings.
Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility
Mental health in education is not just an individual concern…it is a collective responsibility. We must come together - educators, parents, policymakers, and edtech innovators - to ensure our students have the support they need to thrive. By continuing to highlight and address these issues we can create an educational environment where mental health is prioritized alongside academic achievement, and students are seen not just as learners, but as whole individuals.
–Rachel Orston
Footnotes
- National Institute of Mental Health. Mental Illness
- Healthy Minds Network. 2024 Healthy Minds Study Report
- Eisenberg, D., et al. (2009). Stigma and Help Seeking for Mental Health Among College Students.
- National Association of School Psychologists. Mental Health Services in Schools.
- Weist, M.D., et al. (2012). School Mental Health: A National Perspective.
- Steinberg, L. (2014). The 10 Basic Principles of Good Parenting.
- Adi, Y., et al. (2007). The Impact of Mental Health on Academic Performance.
- Keyes, C.L.M. (2007). Promoting and Protecting Mental Health as Flourishing.
- Cohen, J., et al. (2008). Building Community in Schools.
- Kearney, C.A., & Albano, A.M. (2004). Youth Anxiety and School Refusal.
