Students are gearing up for the 2024 school year, a new period that brings challenges and opportunities for academic growth, social skills development, and increased mental health awareness and care. On their side, parents have the task of supporting their children throughout this transition, fostering a nurturing environment to help them adapt to new routines and lifestyles. This comprehensive guidebook aims to equip parents with insights for a smooth back-to-school transition.
Preschoolers are at a stage where social skills and behaviors are rapidly developing; however, many of them are showing signs of being developmentally behind. All of a child's early experiences, whether at home, in child care, or in other preschool settings, are educational. If we focus only on the education of children beginning with kindergarten, we're ignoring the science of early development.
Increased screen time and decreased physical activities have contributed to sedentary behaviors and obesity—a significant concern within this age group. The CDC reports that the prevalence of obesity among 2-to 5-year-olds was 12.7% from 2017–2020.
An Early Childhood Longitudinal Study report revealed that preschool-aged children now score lower on standardized tests designed to measure cognitive abilities. Language delays are particularly concerning, with pediatricians noting a substantial increase in referrals for speech therapy services.
Another emerging trend is the increase in anxiety and behavioral issues among preschoolers, which manifests as moodiness, aggression, or increased clinginess. A survey by the Children's Hospital of Chicago found that 71% of parents noticed new or worsening mental health conditions in their children.
At Maryvale, we are concerting efforts through our Early Education Centers. Our infant, toddler, and preschool programs were designed with these insights in mind, focusing on the children's social, academic, mental, and physical development in a safe and nurturing environment.
Social skill development has had a significant impact on this generation as well. A study highlights concerns among primary educators regarding the social interaction skills of students, observing delays in emotional understanding, conflict management, and cooperation among peers.
The health of primary school children is facing challenges, particularly concerning physical activity and obesity. According to the World Health Organization, over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 were overweight or obese as of 2022. We must uphold the importance of enrolling our children in educational programs that foster physical activity and healthy nutrition.
A report from Common Sense Media found that screen time for children ages 8 and under had doubled, averaging nearly 5 hours a day. Excessive screen time is linked to various health issues, including sleep disturbances, obesity, and reduced physical activity.
Students, on average, were about five months behind in mathematics and four months behind in reading by the end of the school year 2021. This learning gap is more pronounced among low-income and minority students, exacerbating existing disparities in educational outcomes.
Mental health issues have surged among primary school-age children in recent years. Data from the National Survey of Children's Health indicate that around 9.4% of children aged 6–11 experienced anxiety in 2020, a significant increase from previous years. Additionally, the CDC reports that ADHD prevalence continues to be notably high, affecting approximately 11.4% of children aged 3–17 years.
Social skills and forming positive peer relationships remain developmental aspects of middle school. A survey by America's Promise Alliance found that 30% of young people felt "less connected" to friends. Educators have reported substantial social skill gaps, with an increased need for conflict resolution, empathy, and cooperative learning interventions.
World Health Organization highlighted that over 80% of adolescents globally do not meet the current recommendations of at least one hour of physical activity daily. The National Center for Health Statistics reports a continued trend in the rise of childhood obesity, with 22.2% of adolescents aged 12–19 being classified as obese in 2017–2020.
In recent years, a concerning trend in academic engagement has been witnessed. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 26% of 8th graders reached proficiency in mathematics and 31% in reading in 2022.
The CDC's 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) shows that more than 40% of high school students felt so sad or hopeless that they could not engage in their regular activities. Anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation have been particularly prevalent, highlighting an urgent need for comprehensive mental health support in schools.
Social relationships, including friendships and romantic relationships, are a significant aspect of the high school experience. Bullying continues to be an issue, with about 20% of students reporting being bullied at school within the last year, according to NCES data from 2019.
Concerns about obesity and physical activity continue into high school. According to the 2019 YRBS, participation in daily school physical education during an average week stands at only 25.9% among high school students.
According to the 2020 Monitoring the Future survey, 30% of 12th graders reported using an illicit drug at some point in the past year, and while there's been a decline in alcohol use, still 55.3% of 12th graders reported having tried it.
High school students face significant academic pressure, with performance and college readiness being essential benchmarks. According to the NCES, about 69% of high school graduates in 2019 enrolled in college by that fall. However, students' readiness often comes into question—the ACT's Condition of College and Career Readiness 2020 reported that only 26% of the high school graduates who took the ACT met all four ACT College Readiness Benchmarks.
Mental health issues among high school students have become more prevalent. The CDC's YRBS from 2019 reported that nearly one-third of high school students had experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and this has only been exacerbated in the subsequent years.
Social development for first-year college students involves a significant transition that shapes their identity, independence, and interpersonal skills. They must adapt to a new environment, manage their lives independently, and balance academics and social activities. The college setting offers opportunities for building friendships, professional networks, and emotional resilience while also fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity.
The ACHA survey showed that only 43.8% of students met the CDC's guidelines for adult physical activity. The same survey indicated that 24.9% of the respondents were classified as overweight or obese based on their Body Mass Index (BMI). These stats follow the consistent trend in previous generations, where physical, motor, and perceptual development skills are not encouraged, accompanied by increased screen time and sedentary behavior.
The MTF survey results for 2020 showed that marijuana use among college students was at its highest level in 35 years. Additionally, while there's been a decline in alcohol consumption over the past decade, it remains prevalent, with 56% of college students aged 18–22 reporting they consumed alcohol in the past month. These trends correspond to the new freedoms associated with leaving high school and often moving away from the parental home.
College first-year students face heightened academic challenges. The National Student Clearinghouse found a 3.1% decline in college enrollment among first-year students in fall 2022. This raises concerns about academic preparedness, student engagement, and learning outcomes.
Mental health issues are significantly prevalent among college first-year students, with the transition to college life posing substantial stress and anxiety. According to the ACHA 2021, 41% of college students felt so depressed in the past year that it was difficult for them to function, and 52% experienced overwhelming anxiety.
What we can conclude about these trends is the urgent need to foster environments that value education, well-being, and active engagement for all children. There are multiple ways we can help prepare children to thrive in the 2024 school year and beyond. You can always reach out to Maryvale community-based mental health services to have the correct assessment and resources through individual or family counseling and therapeutic groups for specific life challenges. Remember, the overall goal is not academic success but the holistic development of your child into a well-rounded, resilient, and compassionate individual ready to face the world's challenges.