SLO Behavioral Health Urges Families to Prioritize Youth Mental Health This School Year
Author: Behavioral Health
Date: 8/4/2025 8:40 AM
As backpacks fill with books and classrooms buzz back to life, the County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department is encouraging families to pack one more essential item this fall: mental wellness.
As backpacks fill with books and classrooms buzz back to life, the County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department is encouraging families to pack one more essential item this fall: mental wellness.
With more than 1 in 5 youth nationwide facing a mental health disorder each year, now is the time for parents, caregivers, and educators to take action. The transition back to school and the learning of new routines can heighten student and parent anxiety, stress, and emotions.
“Back-to-school season should include more than academic readiness—it should include emotional readiness too,” says San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Department Director Dr. Star Graber, PhD., LMFT. “We want every caretaker and household to be equipped with tools to help our youth thrive in their schools and communities.
Top Strategies for a Mentally Healthy School Year:
- Start the Conversation Early: Check in with your child before the first day; asking them how they are feeling goes a long way. Make emotional well-being a regular part of your talks.
- Establish Healthy Routines: Children thrive on routines to stay regulated throughout the day. Regular sleep, nutritious food, and exercise help stabilize moods and reduce anxiety.
- Monitor and Limit Social Media Use: Encourage healthy boundaries with social media and screen time. Studies show high levels of screen time have been linked with adverse health outcomes, including poor sleep habits, fatigue, and symptoms of anxiety and depression (National Center for Health Statistics).
- Encourage Belonging: Support kids in joining clubs, sports, or social programs. Encourage students to explore programs like Friday Night Live, a youth-driven club that fosters leadership, connection, and substance-free fun.
- Be Alert to Warning Signs: Parents are encouraged to look for signs that their youth are struggling with their mental wellbeing. Symptoms like emotional withdrawal, academic changes, or mood swings may signal a need for more supports.
- Lead by Example: Adults modeling healthy coping strategies can deeply influence youth behavior. Be honest with your children about your mental wellbeing, even if you are struggling. Showing youth ways you overcome feelings of stress, anxiety, or sadness can signal that you are a role model for wellness, and a resource for them if they have similar feelings that they need help working through.
The SLO County Behavioral Health Department offers year-round support through school-based counseling, youth programs, child and family therapy services, and prevention services. For more information, visit www.slobehavioralhealth.org or call 1-800-838-1381.
