Depression, anxiety, and ADHD are just a few of the pressing mental health issues in K-12 students exacerbated by the pandemic’s isolation and routine disruption. Approximately 1/3 of parents report their child is experiencing anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Fortunately, there are practice-based digital learning options to improve mental health and well-being in schools and in communities.

This playbook discusses current mental health statistics for the K-12 population, how these challenges are affecting students and communities, and how schools are often the first point of intervention. Practice-based digital learning for teachers, administrators, caregivers, community members, and students themselves can:

• Empower families and community members to seek help for mental health issues
• Provide earlier access to less intensive, evidence-based academic and behavior intervention
• Promote better student outcomes across school settings and reduce the need for more intense support