A new survey of parents with school-aged kids found that 70% of them think their kids are dealing with more stress and burnout than they are. 66% of parents describe their kid as having a “low mental battery” when they get home from school. Parents say they’ve noticed their kids showing worrying signs such as changes in sleep patterns (44%), changes in appetite (37%), physical complaints such as headaches or stomach aches (35%), decreased interest in activities they once enjoyed (34%), and avoidance of social interactions or activities (33%). The main feelings parents admit their child struggles with are stress (39%), anger (30%), and depression (29%).
81% of the parents surveyed said they wish schools offered more easily accessible mental health services. But the fact is that most schools are coming up short in that area. In fact, only 14% of schools meet the American School Counselor Association’s recommended ratio of one school counselor for every 250 students.