A Call to Action: Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in Schools

Abstract

School nurses play a key role in addressing the growing mental health crisis faced by school-age children. Rates of anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, depression, and suicide continue to rise. These conditions reflect a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and policy factors. School nurses can act at the federal, state, and local level to address the crisis. At the federal and state levels, nurses can engage policy discussions surrounding initiatives such as the 2025 MAHA report, universal screening mandates, school nurse staffing ratios, and cell phone legislation. At the local level, nurses can conduct mental health screenings using validated tools, coordinate referrals, manage individualized care plans, advocate for extended recess and digital literacy education, and pilot balanced daily routines. By collaborating with administrators and legislators and addressing the causes associated with the mental health crisis, school nurses are well positioned to support student well-being and academic success.

Keywords

mental health suicide advocacy ADHD autism spectrum disorder school nurses

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