Date Published: April 3, 2025
Throughout 2020 and 2021, mental health became a much-needed conversation topic across the United States and the world. This crisis did not just affect adults; it deeply impacted students in classrooms nationwide. During this period, up to 31% of all emergency room visits for children were related to mental health concerns (Leeb et al., 2020). Additionally, 25% of parents reported a decline in their children’s mental health, and 14% noted an increase in behavioral issues (Patrick et al., 2020).
In response to these growing challenges, Executive Order 14000 and guidance from the Department of Education emphasized that mental health must become a core component of the school system. Today, schools across America are encouraged to use American Rescue Plan funds to strengthen mental health programs, expand counseling services, and embed mental health education throughout the school environment.
What Is Mental Health?
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.”
In short, mental health touches every aspect of our lives—and that includes every aspect of a student’s experience in school. When a student struggles with poor mental health, the consequences are profound. Students experiencing mental health challenges may exhibit low grades, disruptive behavior, social isolation, depression, or risk-taking activities. These symptoms are increasingly recognized by teachers and administrators across the country, who are seeking better ways to support their students.
How SEL Can Improve Student Mental Health
Fortunately, there is hope. Research consistently shows that embedding Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into the school day can significantly improve student mental health. SEL gives students the tools they need to manage their emotions, build relationships, and navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom.
A meta-analytical review of 75 studies (Sklad et al., 2012) found that SEL programs contribute not only to stronger social skills, a positive self-image, and better academic achievement, but also to improved mental health outcomes. Similarly, the University of British Columbia’s research supports SEL as a crucial element in promoting positive mental health, noting that Canada’s Mental Health Commission has actively encouraged SEL in schools for over a decade (Hymel et al., 2018).
When SEL is part of the curriculum, students learn critical skills such as:
- Self-regulation of emotions
- Conflict resolution
- Relationship-building
- Decision-making based on empathy and ethics
By teaching students these skills explicitly, schools foster healthier, more resilient learners.
When students are taught SEL in the classroom, anxiety, impulsive behavior, and depression decrease, while test scores, empathy, and attendance increase.
Research Linking SEL and Mental Health Improvements
Evidence from multiple studies shows that when SEL is implemented effectively:
- Anxiety and impulsivity decline.
- Depression symptoms lessen.
- Academic performance improves through better focus and engagement.
- Empathy and social skills increase, enhancing school climate.
- Attendance rates improve as students feel more connected to their school communities.
Stark et al. (2021) emphasized that fostering SEL within schools significantly boosts students’ psychosocial well-being. Students who feel supported emotionally are better equipped to handle stress, manage conflict, and thrive academically.
SEL Practices to Support Mental Health in Schools
The U.S. Department of Education (2021), responding to Executive Order 14000, provided key recommendations for supporting student mental health. Their approach centers around several SEL-driven practices:
1. Assessing Student Well-Being
Conducting regular surveys that capture both student and teacher perceptions of mental wellness is critical. These assessments help identify:
- Students who may need extra emotional or behavioral support
- Areas where school climate can be improved
- Gaps in existing support services
Surveys empower schools to develop data-informed strategies that target real student needs.
2. Building Opportunities for Connection
Moments of connection—whether a morning check-in, peer mentoring program, or classroom community circle—foster a sense of belonging. Students are more likely to share their challenges and seek help when they feel seen and valued by teachers and peers.
Building these small but meaningful opportunities strengthens trust, improves classroom behavior, and boosts both attendance and academic achievement.
3. Teaching SEL Explicitly
Contrary to common belief, students do not automatically develop social-emotional skills through experience alone. Many students—especially those from challenging home environments—require direct instruction and modeling of these skills.
Schools can implement SEL curricula that:
- Teach emotional regulation strategies
- Provide frameworks for resolving conflicts
- Encourage reflection and goal-setting
- Reinforce empathy, gratitude, and positive communication
Incorporating SEL into daily classroom routines ensures that all students receive consistent and meaningful exposure to these life skills.
4. Implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
A strong MTSS framework ensures that every student receives the level of support they need:
- Tier 1: Universal supports like SEL lessons, mindfulness practices, and schoolwide culture initiatives benefit all students.
- Tier 2: Targeted group interventions support students showing early signs of emotional or behavioral struggles.
- Tier 3: Intensive, individualized support from counselors or mental health specialists addresses students with more serious needs.
Assessments, teacher observations, and behavior data help schools determine the appropriate tier of support for each student.
Why SEL Must Be Part of Mental Health Programs
Building SEL into school mental health programs is essential because:
- SEL addresses root causes. Teaching emotional regulation, coping skills, and social problem-solving tackles many of the underlying causes of mental distress.
- SEL improves school climate. Classrooms where empathy, kindness, and respect are taught directly are safer, more inclusive places.
- SEL prepares students for life. Beyond academics, SEL equips students to build positive relationships, overcome adversity, and contribute to their communities.
With American Rescue Plan funding available to expand mental health services in schools, now is the time for districts to fully embrace SEL as a key strategy for student well-being.
Conclusion: Moving Forward with Mental Health and SEL
For too long, mental health has been a hidden or secondary concern within education systems. Today, with clear federal support and robust research backing the benefits of SEL, schools have a historic opportunity to create lasting change.
By prioritizing Social and Emotional Learning, schools can:
- Reduce student anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges
- Strengthen academic outcomes
- Foster resilient, empathetic, and confident young people
Supporting mental health is not a temporary initiative. It is an essential part of preparing students for success in school—and in life. Their future depends on it.
Author: Hope Marvin
