As the back-to-school season approaches, students of all ages face excitement, nerves, and change. Whether a child is starting kindergarten, transitioning to middle or high school, or preparing for life after graduation, this time of year brings emotional and mental health considerations for families to navigate together.
At St. Clair County Community Mental Health (SCCCMH), we recognize that supporting students’ mental wellness is as important as sharpening pencils and packing lunches. With technology's increasing influence in our everyday lives, helping children and teens balance screen time with healthy habits is now a key part of preparing for academic success and emotional resilience.
“Back to school is more than academics; it’s a reset for routines, relationships, and well-being,” says Deb Johnson, CEO of SCCCMH. “Families can make this transition smoother by intentionally creating structure, managing stress, and having open conversations about technology's role in their daily lives.”
Understanding the Mental Health Landscape
Students today face pressures that go far beyond homework. Many manage social anxiety, navigate complex peer dynamics, and feel the weight of academic or extracurricular performance. At the same time, technology—from smartphones to laptops to social media—is deeply woven into their educational and social environments.
Studies show that excessive screen time can lead to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in youth. But that doesn’t mean all technology is harmful. Digital tools can support connection, creativity, and learning when used mindfully.
“The key is balance,” says Heidi Fogarty, LMSW, SCCCMH Child and Family Services Director. “We encourage families to model and reinforce healthy digital habits. The goal isn’t to eliminate screens but to make space for what matters, rest, face-to-face connection, and self-care.”
Tips for a Mentally Healthy Start to the School Year
Here are age-specific strategies to help students feel supported and mentally well as they head back to class:
For Young Children (Kindergarten – Grade 2)- Create Predictable Routines: Establish morning and bedtime rituals well before the first day to help ease separation anxiety.
- Talk About Feelings: Use age-appropriate language to discuss emotions. Books and play can be great tools for exploring the concept of “school feelings.”
- Limit Passive Screen Time: Avoid excess entertainment-based screen use during school nights to support sleep and focus.
“Starting school is a big step for little kids and parents,” says Marissa Parkins, LMSW, TF-CBT, SCCCMH Clinician, who works with children and families. “Reassurance, patience, and consistency help young children adjust confidently.”
For Tweens (Grades 3 – 8)- Set Tech-Free Zones: Make mealtimes and bedrooms screen-free to foster connection and sleep hygiene.
- Encourage Downtime: Overscheduling can lead to burnout. Make sure students have unstructured time to unwind and process their day.
- Check in, Not Just Check Boxes: Instead of asking “How was school?” ask “What made you smile today?” or “What was hard today?”
“Middle schoolers may look independent, but they still need guidance and emotional check-ins,” notes Parkins. “Creating safe spaces for conversations builds trust.”
For High Schoolers and Teens Preparing for Graduation- Discuss Digital Footprints: Discuss how online behavior can impact mental health, privacy, and future opportunities.
- Support Time Management: Help teens prioritize tasks using digital calendars or planning apps – then encourage breaks away from screens.
- Normalize Asking for Help: Many teens struggle quietly. Emphasize the strength of seeking support from trusted adults, counselors, or mental health professionals.
“Teen mental health is an urgent issue nationally, and we’re seeing that locally, too,” says Fogarty. “As a community, we have a responsibility to remove stigma and make sure every student knows it’s okay not to be okay – and help is available.”
Fostering Digital Wellness at Every Age
While every student is different, some strategies work well across age groups:
- Model Healthy Habits: Children learn to relate to technology by watching adults. Reflect on your own screen use and make adjustments together as a family.
- Use Technology for Good: Encourage apps or platforms that promote mindfulness, learning, or creative expression.
- Create a Digital Use Plan: Agree on rules around device use, including when and where screens should be allowed. Revisit these guidelines regularly as needs and schedules change.
- Talk About Online Safety and Empathy: From cyberbullying to misinformation, students need tools to navigate the digital world with kindness and critical thinking.
Community Support is Available
St. Clair County Community Mental Health offers programs and resources to help families, students, and schools support emotional well-being. Services include school-based mental health supports, youth therapy, family counseling, and crisis intervention.
Anyone in need of support can call our Access Line at 888-225-4447 or visit
www.scccmh.org to learn more. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, SCCCMH’s Mobile Crisis Unit can be reached 24/7/365 by calling 810-966-2575.
“Mental wellness is something we build over time, through small daily actions,” says Johnson. “Back to school is a perfect opportunity to reset – not just our schedules, but habits that protect our mental health and strengthen our relationships.”
As backpacks are packed and alarms are set, let’s also prepare our children emotionally. With the right tools, conversations, and community support, this school year can be a healthy, balanced, and hopeful for all students.