The Foundation of a Successful School Year: Why Student Mental Health Matters
In approximately four weeks, classrooms across Canada will once again fill with students. Backpacks will be packed, new routines will begin, and the familiar rhythm of the school year will resume. As parents and caregivers, you will be preparing—buying supplies, adjusting bedtimes, and organizing schedules. But beyond the logistics, there is a more profound layer of preparation that deserves just as much attention: your child's mental health.
The connection between mental wellness and school success is not just intuitive—it is backed by a growing body of evidence. When students are mentally well, they are more available for learning, more resilient in the face of challenges, and better equipped to build the relationships that make school a positive experience. As research from School Mental Health Ontario highlights, "When students are feeling mentally well, they're more available for learning".
This blog post explores why student mental health matters, what current trends tell us about the challenges young people are facing, and how parents and caregivers can play a vital role in supporting their children as they prepare for the year ahead.
The State of Student Mental Health in Canada
The mental health of young Canadians continues to be a pressing concern. Trends tracked by the Canadian Institute for Health Information show that one in five people are diagnosed with a mental illness by age 25, and 70 per cent of those individuals had symptoms before adulthood. This means that for many students, the struggles they face in the classroom are not just academic—they are deeply connected to their mental and emotional well-being.
Dr. Daphne Korczak, a Senior Scientist at SickKids, notes that "we are seeing worsening trends that predated the pandemic but seem accelerated by it." In 2022, a SickKids study found that more than two in three Canadian kids reported declining mental health during COVID, and "these levels have persisted in the years since". Ontario students, in particular, have increasingly experienced moderate to serious psychological distress over the last two decades.
The post-secondary landscape reflects similar challenges. Research from the University of Toronto's Inlight initiative indicates that 75 per cent of post-secondary students report struggling with mental health difficulties during their studies, and more students now enter university already experiencing mental health concerns. Over 70 per cent of youth in Canada pursue post-secondary education, making this a widespread issue that affects millions of young people.
How Schools Can Support Mental Health
Schools are uniquely positioned to promote mental health, prevent problems from escalating, and provide early intervention when challenges arise. As the Ontario CMHA explains, "Schools are an ideal place for mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention. Supporting mental health at school encourages wellness, enhances learning, and carries economic benefits".
In Ontario, the Aligned and Integrated Model (AIM) provides a framework for this support. This model organizes mental health services into three tiers:
Foundation - Universal promotion for all students, including welcoming environments, mental health literacy, and social-emotional learning
Notice - Early identification and targeted support for students showing signs of risk
Bridge - Intensive intervention and connection to community-based clinical services for students with diagnosed mental health conditions
What the Research Says About School-Based Programs
A recent study led by researchers at SickKids analyzed data from 83,000 youth across 22 countries to evaluate the effectiveness of universal school-based mental health programs. The findings revealed that current programs had modest effects, with benefits most pronounced among students already experiencing symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
Programs were more likely to be helpful if they were grounded in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), delivered by mental health professionals (rather than teachers), and targeted toward children with higher internalizing symptoms before the program started. These findings suggest that different students may need different types of support—and that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be sufficient.
For parents, this research is reassuring: school-based initiatives can make a difference, but they may work best as part of a larger, multi-tiered system that includes both universal promotion and targeted intervention.
What Parents and Caregivers Can Do
As a parent or caregiver, your role in supporting your child's mental health is invaluable. You are the expert on your child, and your partnership with the school can make a significant difference. Here are some practical, general steps to consider as you prepare for the upcoming school year:
Open the Lines of Communication:
Children and youth are more likely to seek help when they feel safe and supported. Use simple, judgment-free questions to check in with your child about their feelings. Instead of asking "How was your day?"—which often prompts a one-word answer—try open-ended questions like:
"What was the best and hardest part of your day today?"
"What's something you worried about today?"
"What helped you when things felt hard?"
Build Routines and Stability:
Structure provides a sense of security and helps children regulate their emotions. Consistent bedtimes, mealtimes, and homework habits create a predictable environment that supports both academic success and mental well-being. A lot of parents, teachers, kids, and administrators are understandably excited, cautious, and anxious about the return to school, and routines can help manage that anxiety.
Model Healthy Coping:
Children learn from what they see. If you are feeling stressed, share your coping strategies in age-appropriate ways. Saying something like, "I was stressed at work today, so I went for a walk," normalizes healthy coping and shows your child that it is okay to ask for help.
Know What Support Is Available:
Familiarize yourself with the mental health resources at your child's school. Every Ontario district school board has a Mental Health Leader who can help connect students and families to appropriate supports. Many schools also have social workers, psychologists, and other regulated mental health professionals on staff.
Seek Help Early:
If you notice a change in your child's behaviour, emotions, or thoughts that lasts more than two weeks, is distressing, and is negatively impacting their day-to-day life, it is time to get it checked out. Early intervention is key to preventing more serious mental health challenges down the road.
A Final Word
As you prepare for the new school year, remember that your child's mental health is as important as their academic readiness. The school year ahead will bring new opportunities, challenges, and transitions. By prioritizing open communication, building supportive routines, and knowing where to turn for help, you can help your child navigate the year with confidence and resilience.
The research is clear: when students are mentally well, they are more available for learning, more resilient in the face of challenges, and better equipped to build the relationships that make school a positive experience.
By working together—parents, schools, and mental health professionals—we can build the foundation for a successful and mentally healthy school year.
Whatever it is, we’re here for you.
Life is uncertain. Jobs are stressful. Parenting is hard. Relationships take work. Families can be dysfunctional. And sometimes, love hurts. When you’re confronted by feelings, events, or issues that are making your life challenging, it’s okay to ask for some help.
If you have concerns about your child's mental health as they prepare for the new school year, Peachey Counselling and Family Support is here to help. Our team of compassionate professionals offers support for children, youth, and families.
RESOURCES
Sick Kids Are school-based mental health programs working as hoped?
School Mental Health Ontario About student mental health in Ontario
University of Toronto INLIGHT Student Mental Health Research Leading Research to Promote Student Mental Health and Wellbeing
Canadian Institute for Health Information Overall trends for child and youth mental health
Canadian Mental Health Association Mental Health Resources in Schools
