US Schools Increase Mental Health Screenings Amid Access Challenges

Mental health challenges among students have prompted significant initiatives and concerns across educational systems. Loreto College in Kolkata launched the SWOSTI mental health service to provide comprehensive support combining professional therapy and student training, emphasizing confidentiality and holistic care. In the U.S., the importance of mental health in K-12 education is underscored by experts who recommend healthy habits and highlight recent legislation like Georgia's Distraction-Free Education Act, aimed at reducing screen time during school. Research from the UK shows that persistent school absences significantly increase the risk of mental health hospitalizations, reflecting a broader crisis of attendance and mental well-being exacerbated since the pandemic. Illinois has become the first state to mandate universal mental health screenings for students in grades 3-12, aiming for early detection and intervention, though some critics question the law's specifics. Despite growing adoption of mental health screenings in U.S. schools, a RAND study reveals that many students struggle to access adequate care due to systemic barriers, indicating that identification alone is insufficient without ensuring follow-up treatment.