OCMH Logo New
Office of Children's Mental Health


August 25, 2026
Contact: [email protected], 608-266-1683

 

*Proven Strategies to Support Students in the New School Year*

At this exciting time of year, back-to-school season, the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health (OCMH) is reminding the community how important youth mental health is to school success.

In order for children to learn, they must feel safe and secure – and that they belong. Students spend approximately 1,000 hours at school each year. Schools can leverage this time and help young people feel they belong with welcoming, affirming, and supportive classrooms, buildings, and events. Building a positive and welcoming school culture creates conditions necessary for children to flourish.

“Kids tell us that their number one stressor is school. OCMH has heard this time and again,” said OCMH Director Linda Hall. “Teaching kids coping skills, helping them learn how to deal with daily stress that comes from homework, busy schedules, and relationships is pivotal to maintaining mental health.”

As students return to school, they also need to learn how to balance homework, after-school activities, relationships, and the many demands on their time. Without healthy coping skills, kids can become overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, and disengaged.

Another way to strengthen student well-being is through student-led wellness programs [ [link removed] ]. These low-cost programs help students feel connected, spread positive messages, build coping skills, prevent suicide, and provide informal peer support. Student-led wellness programs are important complements to comprehensive school-based mental health, and a variety are in place in schools throughout Wisconsin [ [link removed] ].

"Cultivating welcoming school and community environments, giving students time to practice healthy coping skills, and supporting peer wellness programs – these are proven strategies. Focusing on these preventative measures will not only protect children’s mental health but also lead to more school success,” said Hall.

OCMH has a variety of tools, resources, and support for families available online [ [link removed] ]. Find more information about student-led wellness group in Showcasing Solutions [ [link removed] ].

Find back-to-school resources centered on student mental health in The Child Mind Institute’s back-to-school resource guide [ [link removed] ].



Please do not reply directly to this email message. If you have a question, email  [email protected] or call the media line at 608-266-1683.







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