Mental health days for students are a topic of debate among journalists, therapists, parents, and teachers. 

Mental health days for students are a topic of debate among journalists, therapists, parents, and teachers. Days off from school for mental health became more popular during the pandemic and in response to the youth mental health crisis. A survey of American parents found that over half have allowed their teen to take a mental health day, with 75% believing these days can benefit their child’s well-being. However, many experts argue that missing school can actually worsen mental health problems and lead to chronic school absenteeism. While occasional days off may be acceptable, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on their effectiveness in addressing anxiety and depression at large. YPulse data shows teens name mental health as one of the top 10 issues their generation faced in 2023, so it’s no surprise they want to prioritize having days to focus on themselves. (The Cut)