Supporting the Mental Health of School Children During the Summer Months

Authors

  • Brigny Objio
  • Susan Garcia
  • Tiffany Wilsone

Keywords:

Summer Break, Children, Mental Health, Accessibility, Structure

Abstract

The summertime, though a time for children to relax from the stresses that come with attending school, also poses a challenge for maintenance of their mental health due to loss of routine and regular social interaction, increased access to electronics, and the possible exposure to unsafe environments and food insecurity. This manuscript explores research discussing the risks that students may encounter through the loss of school-based supports and structure including higher rates of mental illness, increased social isolation and increased sedentary behavior. Content includes strategies stakeholders may consider and employ to best support students’ mental
health, such as leveraging community programming, ensuring continued access to mental health services and encouraging outdoor play throughout the summer months. Accessibility of summer support strategies is considered as well as options appropriate for children across the economic spectrum are provided.

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Published

2025-07-21

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2025): International Journal of the Whole Child

Section

Emerging Scholars

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