Many of today’s students face significant mental health challenges, with recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data showing that in 2023, 40% of all students — and 53% of girls — experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness and nearly 20% of students reported being bullied at school. Strong educational leadership plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges, as effective leaders can foster environments that prioritize mental health, reduce stigma and encourage early intervention.
Earning an advanced credential, such as the online Master of Science (M.S.) in Educational Administration and Leadership from St. Cloud State University, enables leaders to develop a comprehensive skill set for supporting student well-being. This degree goes beyond administrative tasks by helping education professionals understand the leadership strategies needed to foster a culture of mental health awareness.
School principals and other administrators are often the main drivers of success in the school system. They’re responsible for balancing regulations, managing staff, handling budgets and addressing a range of student concerns. Leaders with formal training in educational administration are better equipped to guide students toward positive mental health outcomes, according to the CDC.
How School Affects Mental Health
Educators and parents sometimes ask, “How does school affect mental health?” The answer is complicated because schools affect mental health, and mental health affects school.
Schools can be both the source of mental health struggles and the place students turn to for support. Academic demands, peer relationships and social media pressures can exacerbate mental health challenges, significantly impacting a student’s ability to succeed in the classroom.
According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, “Mental health problems can affect a student’s energy level, concentration, dependability, mental ability, and optimism, hindering performance.
Research suggests that depression is associated with lower grade point averages, and that co-occurring depression and anxiety can increase this association.” At the same time, most young people who get support for their mental health challenges seek that support through their schools.
According to education professionals Janine Jones, PhD, and Brent Jones, PhD, schools currently face significant barriers in effectively addressing mental health. Limited resources and high demand for mental health services pose challenges in many areas, especially urban centers. Early identification of mental health issues remains difficult, relying heavily on teacher observations and student self-reporting, which can delay crucial interventions.
Educational Leadership and Administration for Well-Being
Leadership roles in education encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including the emotional climate of a school. According to an article in BMC Psychology, “Schools, as organizations, encompass a wide range of responsibilities and roles within school leadership.” Challenges can arise from inside and outside the school building, and these pressures may “create crises within schools that can threaten the mental well-being of all involved. Effective leadership is essential for managing these adverse situations.”
Graduate programs in educational leadership and administration can equip future school leaders with the tools they need to create a supportive environment. By learning how to recognize when a student is struggling and reduce the stigma around mental health, leaders can design professional development programs that ensure their teams know how to provide effective support. These initiatives also foster a culture that encourages open discussions about mental health, which can help staff feel comfortable sharing their own challenges.
Does School Affect Mental Health? Building a Safer Future
When schools prioritize emotional well-being, everyone benefits. Leaders who embrace the principles of educational leadership and administration become catalysts for positive change. They set the tone for a supportive school culture by initiating conversations about mental health, establishing peer-support networks and collaborating with community agencies. These measures help ensure students receive timely assistance and encouragement.
Educators who pursue the M.S. in Educational Administration and Leadership online program at St. Cloud State University can guide schools toward a healthier future. Through coursework and real-world applications, they explore how to address the diverse emotional needs of students, faculty and staff.
Graduates often become advocates for comprehensive mental health strategies, recognizing that resilient students are more likely to thrive. By adopting proactive leadership practices, these leaders help create an environment in which students feel safe, supported and empowered to reach their full potential.
Learn more about St. Cloud State University’s online Master of Science in Educational Administration and Leadership program.
