Dec 5, 2017, KIOW Radio, Forest City, IA: Area Legislators Discuss How Local Schools Deal With Mental Health Issues https://kiow.com/2017/12/05/area-legislators-discuss-how-local-schools-deal-with-mental-health-issues/ In a survey which was funded by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of the Surgeon General in 1999, it was found that 73% of schools said that the most common mental health category for children in the in the PreK-6 grade levels are personal and social problems that involved family and friends. The survey goes on to break down the second most prevalent issues. For boys, it included displaying aggression while for girls, it was anxiety. The survey also found that depression and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) were the also major issues. According to a report in 2003 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, many of these children do not receive help and services for their mental health needs due to a number of reasons such as personal attitudes, organizational constraints, and demographic factors such as family finances. As a result, many children who go without assistance have trouble learning in school. To circumvent these potential issues, schools are hiring school counselors who can assist teachers and students through individual and group counseling. Depending on the size of the school enrollment, counselors can offer anywhere from extended to brief assistance.
Childhood Lost
Children today are noticeably different from previous generations, and the proof is in the news coverage we see every day. This site shows you what’s happening in schools around the world. Children are increasingly disabled and chronically ill, and the education system has to accommodate them. Things we've long associated with autism, like sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, anxiety and lack of social skills, are now problems affecting mainstream students. Blame is predictably placed on bad parenting (otherwise known as trauma from home).
Addressing mental health needs is as important as academics for modern educators. This is an unrecognized disaster. The stories here are about children who can’t learn or behave like children have always been expected to. What childhood has become is a chilling portent for the future of mankind.