I’m sure you’ve heard the following statement before: School impacts students’ mental health by stressing kids out and leaving them no time for extracurriculars. I am arguing the opposite side. It’s true, sometimes schools put too much stress on their students, but the benefits of school on our mental health outweigh the negative effects.
As an example, human socialization plays a huge role in shaping our character. Schools don’t merely have ways to socialize, they encourage it! Without interaction, depression and low self-esteem are far more likely in a lonely person than in someone with a bunch of friends. Oftentimes, students with mental health issues such as those listed above are the most likely candidates to be bullied or teased.
Schools also teach important life skills like sharing, patience, and collaboration, even if you don’t realize it. Group work, rotations, scavenger hunts, and presentations all play a role in these key skills. This is also extremely important for kids who don’t have a strong support system at home. This may be the only way that some people learn these skills. Without them, life would be a struggle.
Most importantly, schools teach us discipline. Acting a certain way at home may be acceptable, but acting the same way at school may not be appropriate. Teachers are more used to the rules and regulations on campus, and they are quick to act when something is not okay. Parents are often too soft on their children, convincing themselves that “It’s just a phase” or “They’re going through some difficult times.” They tend to excuse their children’s behavior because they are facing problems themselves, and the last thing they want is to deal with an annoying child. Schools, on the other hand, are here for that very reason. Besides, it’s not like parents can suspend their children or give them lunch detention.
So, have you changed your mind? Many of the benefits given by schools are unknown, hidden beneath layers, but maybe you’ll start to notice them now. All these activities that may seem pointless or boring have meaning after all!
