How Online Education Can Support Student Mental Health

Posted by Des Sinkevich on September 11, 2024

In the last few years, 42% of high school students have reported feeling so sad or hopeless that they stopped engaging in their usual hobbies and activities. As students fall behind in their schoolwork, attempting to manage expectations and their own well-being, guidance counselors should be looking toward solutions that can benefit those who most need them. One solution that can be beneficial to many students who are struggling is providing alternative options for education that can meet the student where they are. Online high school programs can offer several benefits for students struggling with their mental health, allowing them to focus on their well-being and their academics.

Stressed teen boy studying at desk in classroom.

The benefits of online education for students who struggle with mental health

There are several different ways that transitioning to an online school format can benefit your students who struggle with mental health issues.

1. Flexibility and reduced stress

Online education offers students the flexibility to learn from home, which can significantly reduce the stress associated with commuting and rigid school schedules. This flexibility allows students to create a learning environment that suits their individual needs, leading to a more balanced and less stressful educational experience. For many students, this reduction in daily stressors can contribute to improved mental well-being.

Learning at home can also be beneficial for those students who struggle with severe anxiety or difficult interpersonal relationships, allowing them to get away from a major cause of distress that could be affecting their ability to learn.

2. Personalized learning paths

A huge benefit to online education programs is that it allows the student to take a more personalized approach to their education. With a self-paced high school, students and their families can determine when and how they study. This personalization helps students manage their workload more effectively and can reduce the anxiety associated with keeping up with a standardized pace. When students feel supported and understood, they are more likely to experience positive mental health outcomes.

3. Reduced social anxiety

For students with social anxiety or other related challenges, online high school can offer a reprieve from the high-pressure social dynamics of a physical school environment. The online format can alleviate some of the social stressors that come with face-to-face interactions, allowing students to focus more on their academic work and personal growth without the added anxiety of in-person social situations.

4. Increased family engagement

Online education often encourages more frequent family involvement in the learning process. With parents and guardians more present in the learning environment, students may benefit from increased emotional support and supervision. This engagement can help students feel more connected and supported, which is essential for their mental health and overall academic success.

Additionally, in a self-paced online high school, students can design their own school day, allowing them to have more time to spend with family without worrying about falling behind in their studies. This could look like anything from being able to regularly see a parent for lunch or taking family vacations.

5. Opportunities for self-care and mindfulness

Because online school is often self-paced, there is plenty of time for students to focus on self-care. Self-care isn’t just essential for mental health; it can allow students time to really explore who they are and what they want for the future.

Help your students succeed through online high school solutions

Online education is more than just a mode of learning; it’s a dynamic tool that can significantly impact students' mental health. By offering flexibility, personalized learning, and allowing students to take ownership of their education, online classes can help students who struggle to find success. With an accredited online school like Penn Foster High School, your students can fully complete their education online or take advantage of credit recovery options if they fall behind. To learn more about our high school classes and how they can benefit your students and school, reach out to our experts today!