Addressing Student Mental Health in Schools

Major update on our work: In the last few years, a flood of new research has altered the landscape of the debate around kids, smartphones, and social media. 1️⃣ First, there is now a lot more work revealing a wide range of direct harms caused by social media that extends beyond mental health (e.g., cyberbullying, sextortion, and exposure to algorithmically amplified content promoting suicide, eating-disorders, and self-harm). These direct harms are not correlations; they are harms reported by millions of young people each year. 2️⃣ Second, recent research — including experiments conducted by Meta itself — provides increasingly strong causal evidence linking heavy social media use to depression, anxiety, and other internalizing disorders. (We refer to these as indirect harms because they appear over time rather than right away). Together, these findings allow us to answer the product safety question clearly: 📣 No, social media is not safe for children and adolescents. The evidence is abundant, varied, and damning. We have gathered it and organized it in two related projects which we invite you to read, in this post: https://lnkd.in/eAvfH3aQ

Why International Students Deserve Mental Health Support Too Let’s talk about what no one wants to address: International students face immense pressure—and their mental health is often the price they pay. The Problem From the outside, international students look like they’re thriving. But inside, many are battling: ❌ Homesickness and cultural adjustment. ❌ Financial stress from high tuition and living costs. ❌ The weight of academic pressure and immigration uncertainty. What makes it worse? Limited mental health resources tailored to their unique challenges. The Impact 1️⃣ Silent Struggles: Many international students avoid seeking help due to stigma or fear of judgment. 2️⃣ Isolation: Being far from home, with no family support, can leave them feeling alone and disconnected. 3️⃣ Missed Potential: Unaddressed mental health issues often derail their academic and career goals. Here’s how we can step up: 1️⃣ Culturally Competent Counseling: Schools must hire counselors trained to address the unique challenges of international students. 2️⃣ Accessible Resources: Free or affordable mental health services should be a priority—not a privilege. 3️⃣ Build Support Networks: Universities should create peer groups and mentorship programs to foster connection and belonging. International students are juggling more than just academics. They’re managing massive life changes, financial stress, and career pressure. It’s time we give them the mental health support they need—and deserve. What’s Your Take? Have you seen how mental health challenges affect international students? Share your thoughts or solutions below. 🔄 If you agree, share or repost to amplify this message. Follow Samichi Saluja for more bold takes on supporting international students.

The #1 silent culture killer in youth sports? Stigma. We talk about hard work, teamwork, and resilience. But too often, we don’t talk about mental health. And here’s the cost: 👉 Kids stay silent about struggles until they quit. 👉 Parents don’t speak up about challenges because they fear judgment. 👉 Coaches miss warning signs because they think it’s “not their lane.” When mental health is a taboo topic, it becomes a hidden barrier Keeping kids from thriving, and sometimes, even from staying in the game. The strongest directors know this: Normalizing mental health conversations Is as important as running practices or collecting fees. Here’s how you can start breaking the stigma in your program this season: ✅ Add mental health to team language. Start every season by telling families: “We care about the whole kid, on and off the field.” Just saying it out loud matters. ✅ Train coaches to check in, not just coach. A 30-second “How are you doing this week?” Before practice can open doors kids didn’t know were allowed. ✅ Create visible support systems. Post resources for local counseling or hotlines on team websites, newsletters, Or locker rooms. When families see it, they know it’s safe to ask. ✅ Celebrate courage. Recognize kids who model resilience in tough times, not just those who score goals. This reframes strength as more than performance. ✅ Lead by example. Share your own story of struggle or growth. Directors who are transparent give everyone else permission to be human, too. Here’s the truth: Programs that ignore mental health won’t just lose games, they’ll lose kids. The best directors build cultures where struggles are spoken, not hidden. Because when stigma dies, belonging grows. — 🧠 Want real-world strategies for building sustainable, culture-driven programs? Subscribe to Grow the Game, your leadership playbook for youth sports: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gFwgbm3t

The recent decision by Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur to induct 10 counsellors after a series of tragic student suicides is a stark reminder: "LEARNER WELL-BEING CANNOT BE AN AFTERTHOUGHT" This follows their SETU initiative (Support, Empathy, Transformation, and Upliftment) and the appointment of the first Dean of Student Well-Being- steps intended to ensure students don’t just cope, but feel genuinely supported. ✅ Why this matters High academic stress and career pressure remain very real. Proactive, visible counselling makes a difference, especially when counsellors meet students where they are in hostels, clubs, and common spaces, helping to reduce stigma and increase access. As someone working on national and international standards for educational institutions, I see this as a systemic challenge. Academic pressure, inadequate mental-health support, and the absence of clear operational benchmarks leave many campuses reactive rather than preventive. At the Bureau of Indian Standards, our Subcommittee on Campus Facilities and Accommodation Services (SSD 04:03) is finalizing the National Standard for Campus Facilities and Accommodation Services—Requirements. Thanks to dedicated team members- Sudhirkumar V Barai Sandeep Kanojia Aditya Bhatt Tarush Chandra Bhavna Tripathi Kajal Marwaha and the others- we are close to publication. The draft sets measurable requirements for: Safe, inclusive residential and learning spaces Health & wellness centres with mental-health and counselling services Mechanisms for continuous feedback and improvement, and more Standards can’t replace empathy- but they establish non-negotiable accountability and a measurable baseline that every campus, public or private, large or small, must meet. It’s time to move beyond ad-hoc measures. Every campus must be designed to nurture both intellectual growth and emotional resilience. True success is not only in academic achievement, but in how well students are supported along the way. We build that, and we build lasting resilience. https://lnkd.in/g-gh5dUN

There is mounting evidence that social media is undermining our happiness. Here's what we know and what we can do about it. The youth of Western Europe and North America are less happy than they were two decades ago. The World Happiness Report identifies dramatic declines among under 25s in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand in particular.  Multiple studies evidence negative impacts on user’s mental health. One found the odds of depression increased by 13% for every additional hour per day of use. Given that the average adolescent spends roughly five hours a day on social media in the US, typical usage brings a 65% increase in the risk of depression. Importantly, the evidence is that girls are more negatively impacted than boys. However, the negative impacts depend on the type of platform used. Apps designed to facilitate social connections, such as messaging, show a positive association with happiness. It is the algorithmically curated content platforms that show a negative association. The root cause is that heavy usage undermines the foundations of our happiness. Human wellbeing is built on good relationships with others. Online interactions do not substitute for in-person social contact. Digital relationships are not strong or durable ties. And social media encourages a shift from quality to quantity in social connection. This, along with the extreme nature of the content that the algorithms serve up, undermines user’s trust in others. So what do I think we should do about it? A ban on under 16s establishing accounts on algorithmic platforms will allow young children to develop as happier young people. Age verification and strong enforcement will be essential. Last year’s ban of smartphones in primary schools in Ireland was wise. A similar ban for post-primary schools, until at least transition year, would further enhance student wellbeing. We need to demand more from the platform owners. Algorithms should be forcibly switched off for minors so posts are displayed strictly chronologically. There should be limits on push notifications, and on the autoplay and infinite scroll that keeps users glued to their screens. And let’s ask them to publish risk assessments and audits of how their platforms engage minors. Parents can ban devices from bedrooms and mealtimes. In-built parental controls allow us to fix time limits on our children’s devices – both when they can be used and for how long. And reflect on your own conduct too - what can you do to model healthy behaviour? I believe we have reached an evidential tipping point on the harm of social media. How long more are we going to wait? Our future happiness rests in the balance. 

This week we’re launching a new national advertising campaign as part of Rage Against the Screen. The creative draws on the visual language of cigarette packet warnings, repurposed onto smartphone packaging to highlight the risks associated with addictive social media use among children. The imagery is deliberately stark. That was a considered decision. Research also points to significant impacts on children’s development and mental health. Studies have found that problematic phone use in teenagers is associated with roughly double the risk of anxiety, triple the risk of depression, and that spending more than three hours a day on social media is linked to a higher likelihood of self-harm. For years, parents on Mumsnet have described compulsive use, sleep disruption, anxiety, depression and collapsing self-esteem in their children. These are not abstract concerns. They are daily realities in ordinary families. When we polled Mumsnet users, 92% of parents said they are concerned about the impact of social media on children’s mental health and wellbeing. 83% said they support a ban for under-16s. Tech platforms invest billions designing products to maximise attention. Expecting individual families to counter that alone is not realistic. The government is about to launch a consultation on introducing a legal age limit for social media. This is the moment to ensure policymakers understand the strength of parental concern. If you support a ban for under-16s, we’ve created a quick and simple guide to help you write to your MP: https://lnkd.in/eK5YXnUQ #BanSocialForUnder16s #RageAgainstTheScreen

As a neurologist, I deeply resonate with Sudha Murty’s concern about children being turned into social-media content. Children’s brains are still developing—especially regions responsible for emotional regulation, self-identity, and stress response. When a child is repeatedly exposed to validation through likes, comments, and views, their brain begins associating self-worth with external approval. 💡 Over time, this can shape how they perceive themselves — not as children exploring the world, but as performers being evaluated by strangers. We must remember: 🧠 Children cannot consent 🧠 Their coping mechanisms are immature 🧠 Constant visibility increases anxiety, comparison, and fear of judgment What looks like “just content” today can leave long-term neurological and psychological imprints tomorrow. Childhood should be a safe space for curiosity, messiness, mistakes and unfiltered growth — not a stage. We urgently need clearer policies, stronger digital safeguards, and most importantly, parents who prioritize emotional development over digital popularity. Because a child’s brain is not entertainment. It’s still learning how to be human. #NeurologistPerspective #ChildDevelopment #MentalHealth #DigitalParenting #Neuroscience #ProtectChildren #ChildSafetyOnline #SocialMediaImpact #BrainHealth #SudhaMurty #LinkedInPost

Teen depression rates doubled after smartphones arrived. New research reveals why the timing matters more than screen time. The critical window for brain development gets hijacked by social media algorithms. Behavior from birth (and even before!) has impact on cognitive aging throughout life. 2007: iPhone launches ↳ 2009: Instagram and social platforms expand ↳ 2012: Teen depression starts sharp rise ↳ 2015: Anxiety disorders peak in adolescents ↳ 2020: Suicide attempts up 167% in teen girls Ages 10-15 critical for emotional regulation ↳ Prefrontal cortex still developing ↳ Dopamine system easily hijacked ↳ Social comparison becomes hardwired ↳ Sleep disruption during growth spurts Constant notifications rewire reward circuits ↳ Natural activities become less satisfying ↳ Attention spans shrink measurably ↳ Face-to-face social skills atrophy ↳ Anxiety when disconnected from device Algorithms optimize for engagement, not wellbeing ↳ Negative content gets more interaction ↳ Comparison with curated highlights ↳ Cyberbullying follows kids home ↳ FOMO becomes constant background stress Young adults struggling with: ↳ Sustained attention and focus ↳ Emotional regulation under stress ↳ Real intimacy and relationships ↳ Self-worth independent of likes ↳ Sleep without device presence Delayed smartphone introduction helps ↳ Device-free family meals ↳ Real-world hobbies and sports ↳ Face-to-face friend interactions ↳ Consistent sleep routines What parents can do: Set age-appropriate boundaries ↳ Model healthy device relationships ↳ Create phone-free zones at home ↳ Teach digital literacy skills ↳ Monitor usage and content Brain changes possible until age 25 ↳ Digital detox can help recovery ↳ Real-world experiences rebuild circuits ↳ Social skills can be relearned ↳ Earlier intervention more effective Adolescent experiences shape adult mental health ↳ Depression patterns established early persist ↳ Anxiety disorders often become chronic ↳ Social skills deficits affect relationships ↳ Attention problems impact career success Heavy social media use correlates with: ↳ Increased depression and anxiety ↳ Poor sleep quality ↳ Lower academic performance ↳ Reduced life satisfaction ↳ Higher suicide risk Simple interventions that work: 30-minute daily social media limit ↳ No phones in bedrooms overnight ↳ One device-free day per week ↳ Outdoor activities without devices ↳ Regular family conversations about usage 💬 Comment with your family's device rules ♻️ Repost if teens need protection from addictive algorithms 👉 Follow me (Reza Hosseini Ghomi, MD, MSE) for digital wellness strategies Citations: Haidt J, Allen N. Scrutinizing the effects of digital technology on mental health. Nature. 2020. Twenge JM, Campbell WK. Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents. Psychological Science. 2018.

Your child spends hours scrolling on social media, laughing at memes, making friends online, and maybe even learning something new. You, as a proud parent, think, "Wow, my child is so advanced!" 🏆 But what if, behind that screen, they’re also encountering cyberbullying, unhealthy comparisons, and dangerous online trends? 🤔 ▶️ Welcome to the reality check. As per the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) 2023, any child under 18 years in India will now require verifiable parental consent to access social media. This law, passed in August 2023, recognizes what many of us are ignoring: Blind freedom is turning into a silent disaster for the next generation. ▶️ The Alarming Stats: India has 367.4 million internet users aged 5–17, the largest youth population online. 52% of parents don’t know what their children do online, yet 68% of them proudly give unrestricted access. 1 in 4 teens faces cyberbullying, but parents often remain unaware. ▶️ Here’s the hard truth: “Freedom without accountability isn’t empowerment; it’s chaos.” Parents think they’re supporting their children by giving them everything—but are they truly helping? ▶️ What This Means for Parents: Mental Health Impact: Screen addiction leads to a 45% rise in anxiety and depression among teens. Educational Distractions: 40% of children spend over 4 hours daily on social media, impacting their academics. Unseen Dangers: Many kids engage with strangers online without realizing the risks. ▶️ The Real Question: ✅ Are we preparing our children for a better future, or are we unknowingly exposing them to a digital Pandora’s box? 💡 Let’s talk: ✅ Should parents embrace stricter digital rules or trust their children to navigate the online world independently?

Unfair truth: the top 25% most effective employees will encounter the most mental health crises on campus. Students don't disclose crises based on credentials. They disclose to people they trust: their EOP advisor, their most accessible faculty member, the club advisor who's been checking in. That's not a system failure. That's human nature. Trust matters more than qualifications in moments of crisis. As a VP, I see this constantly. As a psychologist, I know it won't stop no matter how many counselors are hired. And… This wasn't in your job description. You didn't train for this. When a student says, "I just can't take it anymore," your heart stops and your mind goes blank. That fear is very reasonable. The stakes feel impossibly high. You deserve to be trained until you feel prepared for these moments. I can't do that on LinkedIn, but I can offer language for those first 60 seconds when your brain is screaming. 6 phrases that are safe and effective: → "I'm really glad you told me." → "That sounds really hard. Can you tell me more about what's happening?" → "You're going through a lot and your feelings make sense." → "I'm concerned about your safety. Can we talk about what support looks like right now?" → "What would feel most helpful to you right now?" → "I don't have all the answers, but I'm not going to leave you alone in this." THREE PRINCIPLES: 1️⃣ Create psychological safety first, problem-solving second. 2️⃣ Model emotional regulation through calm delivery. 3️⃣ Bridge to professional support, don't substitute for it. WHAT TO AVOID: ❌ "Just think positive" ❌ "Other people have it worse" ❌ "You'll regret this later" ❌ "Think about your family" ❌ "This is just a rough patch" These minimize, guilt-trip, or create false equivalence. For colleagues: These will not make you a therapist. They will give you language until you can connect students with professional support. For leaders: If your staff build trust with students, they will encounter crisis disclosures. That's a reality to prepare for, not a problem to solve. Ready to prepare more powerfully? Hit me up. →Swipe through the carousel for the full breakdown. →Save this for when you need it. →Share it with people students trust on campus. →Repost to help colleagues in your network. →Follow me for more.