Millions of youth across the globe returned to school this month after an extended summer break. In our family, we sent one to kindergarten and the other to preschool for the first time, which came with its own set of worries: bus rides, blankies and healthy snacks.
But with students in middle and high schools, parental concerns are much different. A new systematic review published in the open access journal BMC Public Health investigated how school environments affect students’ health behaviors. The reviewed included 19 qualitative studies, and identified a total of four institutional features that influence student health:
– In some schools, aggressive behavior and substance use are a strong source of status and bonding for students, as well as a means to make students feel safe.
– Unsupervised school spaces, such as hallways, staircases and bathrooms, are hotspots for aggressive behavior and substance use.
– Positive relationships with teachers are critical in promoting student well-being and limiting risk behavior. However, certain school policies – such as not involving students in developing school rules, and teachers’ inconsistent use of discipline – constrain relationships between students and teachers, increasing the likelihood that students look for a sense of identity and social support through risky behaviors.
– When students are unhappy at school, they are more likely to seek “escape” by leaving school for longer unauthorized spells or through substance use.
The review concludes that future research should focus on interventions that address the issues listed above. It offers some important markers to look for at your own student’s school. Do the “cool” kids display aggressive behavior? Are the common areas well supervised? Do your students have positive relationships with their teachers? These are all great, evidence-based questions to ask at the start of school and to monitor as the year progresses.
Speak Your Mind