Transforming California’s Schools: The Lasting Impact of COVID-19 on Student Mental Health

When schools closed during the pandemic, many students sought connection through their phones. Benjamin Olaniyi, a junior at King/Drew Medical Magnet High School in Los Angeles, credits social media for helping students feel less alone. “It made us feel more connected with the world,” he explains.

The pandemic affected students in profound ways. For Olaniyi, it meant missing out on a much-anticipated school camping trip at a critical time in his life. He recalls the sense of community that emerged online, where people shared their feelings of fear and loneliness. This candidness about mental health struggles likely helped younger generations understand and talk about these issues more openly than before. Dr. Ijeoma Ijeaku, president of the California Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, agrees. “It has forced us to look at mental health in a way we had never looked at it before,” she says.

According to the California Healthy Kids Survey, the pandemic exacerbated existing mental health challenges among students. In a survey conducted between 2019 and 2021, 42% of 11th graders reported feeling chronic sadness, a marked increase from 32% just four years prior. This surge in mental health issues highlighted profound disparities. Experts note that students from high-poverty communities, particularly Black and brown students, faced the most significant challenges during the pandemic.

While many teens struggled, studies show that students in affluent areas had better access to resources. Andrew Fuligni, co-executive director of the UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent, points out that wealthier teens were more likely to have safe spaces to escape to and reliable internet access for virtual connections. In contrast, those in overcrowded homes faced greater risks and stressors, making it harder for them to maintain their mental health.

As the focus on students’ mental health grew, so did the recognition of the role school counselors and mental health professionals play. Historically, during budget cuts, counseling positions were among the first to be eliminated. However, a shift is underway. By 2021, California launched the $4 billion Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, aimed at supporting mental health services for those under 26. This initiative represents a significant state investment in mental health infrastructure, with hopes of creating longer-lasting solutions.

Still, the overall counselor-to-student ratio in California remains far from ideal, with one counselor for about 400 students, compared to the recommended one per 250. Despite this, experts like Loretta Whitson from the California Association of School Counselors see an appreciation for the essential work counselors do. “There’s a greater understanding of how this work complements what happens in the classroom,” she says.

Counselors are adapting their roles to meet students’ needs more effectively. Alexis Mele, a school counselor in Laguna Beach, emphasizes the importance of her relationships with students. She meets individually with each freshman, building connections from the start. When a student comes to her office seeking support, it reinforces her belief in the value of her role.

While California is moving in the right direction, challenges remain. Changes in funding models and the ongoing uncertainty in politics could affect the progress made. Yet, the conversations around mental health have shifted for the better, thanks in part to a younger generation willing to speak out.

In summary, the pandemic was a wake-up call. It revealed both the fragility and resilience of students’ mental health. Though there’s still much work to be done, the ongoing investments and changes in how we perceive mental health offer hope for brighter futures for all students.

For more on mental health initiatives, refer to the comprehensive report by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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