In a groundbreaking move, New York may soon allow schools to grant students excused absences for mental or behavioral health days. Sponsored by State Senator Mark Davidson, this proposed legislation is long overdue.
Parents frequently talk about needing a “mental health day” from work. If adults can recognize their mental well-being needs, why shouldn’t children receive the same consideration? Life can be overwhelming, especially for kids battling mental health issues. Statistics reveal that 7.1% of children aged 3-17 suffer from anxiety, 3.2%% from depression, and 7.4%% from behavioral disorders. Alarmingly, many of these children are affected by comorbid conditions: 73.8%% of those with depression also have anxiety, while 47.2%% face behavioral challenges.
The reality is that mental health issues among children are escalating. The traditional response often emphasizes treatment, yet this overlooks significant barriers. Accessing appropriate help requires financial resources, time, and transportation that many families simply do not have. Consequently, a significant number of children—20%% with depression, 40%% with anxiety, and 50%% with behavioral disorders—do not receive the necessary treatment.
Regardless of whether a child is in therapy, they should have the chance to take a day off when feeling overwhelmed without facing penalties. This issue resonates personally with me. Two of my children have special needs, and one has been undergoing cognitive behavioral counseling for two years. To minimize absences, I scheduled appointments at the end of the school day. However, I discovered that each counseling session resulted in unexcused absences, which can lead to serious repercussions.
This raises a critical question: If children can be excused for a sore throat or dental work, why not for mental health support? Last week, I faced a challenging situation with my other child, whose distress escalated into a meltdown just before school. After several failed attempts to prepare them for the bus, I realized that staying home would have been the best option.
The absence of a system that acknowledges mental health days sends a harmful message to kids already grappling with significant challenges. We should prioritize children’s well-being and learning environments by providing them the opportunity to reset when necessary. Offering mental health days could be a vital step toward supporting children facing anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues.
As the conversation around mental health continues, we must advocate for changes that prioritize the needs and well-being of our children. For more insights on navigating family building options, check out this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination. Additionally, if you’re interested in home insemination, visit this blog post for more information.
In summary, New York is on the verge of a significant legislative change that could provide students with vital mental health days. This move acknowledges the growing mental health challenges facing children and seeks to create a more supportive educational environment.