What role does high school play in mental health? Feeling connected to other students and staff is key

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-28T13:46:38.581Z • Permanent link

High school, a pivotal period of adolescent development, has long been associated with the cultivation of social skills, emotional intelligence, and academic achievement. However, recent research has shed light on the often-overlooked yet crucial role high school plays in shaping mental health outcomes. The story begins with a 2019 report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), which revealed that by age 15, Australian students may have spent as many as 11,000 hours at school. This staggering figure underscores the significant time commitment required to navigate the complex social landscape of high school.

For students like 17-year-old Sophie Jenkins, who has been attending her local high school in Melbourne since 2015, the experience is far from academic. Sophie's story highlights the profound impact high school can have on mental health. Her parents, both educators themselves, noticed a significant shift in Sophie's behavior during her sophomore year, when she began to struggle with anxiety and depression. "Sophie's grades started to slip, and she became withdrawn," recalls her mother. "It was as if she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders." With the support of her parents and school counselors, Sophie eventually sought help and began attending therapy sessions.

According to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, which analyzed data from over 2,000 high school students in the United States, excessive social media use and cyberbullying were identified as significant contributors to adolescent anxiety and depression. However, the study also found that high school environments that foster a sense of belonging, connection, and support can mitigate these risks. By creating inclusive and supportive spaces, schools can help mitigate the negative effects of social media and cyberbullying on mental health.

The impact of high school on mental health has far-reaching implications for companies, research communities, and markets. For example, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimates that mental illness costs the United States over $200 billion annually. As a result, companies that prioritize mental health support and resources can reap significant benefits. In fact, a study by the American Psychological Association found that employees who reported better mental health were more productive, had lower turnover rates, and experienced improved job satisfaction.

In the research community, the study of high school mental health is an area of growing interest. Researchers like Dr. Madeline Eisenberg, a pediatric psychiatrist at the University of California, San Francisco, are exploring the complex relationships between high school experiences, social media use, and mental health outcomes. Eisenberg's work has highlighted the need for schools to develop comprehensive mental health programs that address the unique needs of adolescents. "We need to recognize that high school is not just a time of academic achievement, but also a critical period of social and emotional development," she notes.

The conversation around high school mental health is not new, but recent events have reignited the debate. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which forced widespread school closures and online learning, highlighted the need for more flexible and adaptable approaches to education. In response, many schools have begun to prioritize student well-being and mental health support. The pandemic also accelerated the growth of online mental health resources and support services, which are now being integrated into school curricula.