This post is by Anthony Savage of Sparta Health
In recent years there’s been increasing calls for action to tackle poor mental health among young people, and to recognise the parity of mental health with physical health. Two recent pieces of US legislation have been hailed as significant positive steps. In July 2019, the State of Oregon passed a law allowing students to take five mental health days absence from school in a three-month period[1]. And, 14 months previously, legislation recognising that a valid excuse for absence from school needed to include mental as well as physical illness came into effect in Utah[2]. It’s hoped that these changes will address the rising levels of mental distress and illness in young people: US death by suicide rates amongst 10-24 year olds have been steadily increasing and, in 2017 were at the highest level seen since 2003[3].
The Oregon legislation is particularly significant in that it was young people themselves who campaigned for change. Tired of having to invent physical health excuses as a reason to take a day off school, or struggle to attend when experiencing anxiety, depression or symptoms of panic attacks, a group of politically active students advocated action. Four students took the campaign further, culminating in Sam Adamson, Lori Riddle, Hailey Hardcastle, and Derek Evans introducing proposed legislation which has subsequently been approved[4]. Prior to this, Oregon schools were only obliged to excuse absences related to physical illnesses, a family member's physical illness, doctor or dentist appointments or an emergency and even taking time away from education to visit a psychologist could result in grades being automatically adjusted to reflect unauthorised absence. Now, mental or behavioural health are included in the valid reasons for absence.
Critics have argued that the system is open to abuse and will impact learning as attendance levels decrease. Good attendance correlates with academic success[5] and Oregon already has issues with chronic absenteeism in schools. Others point out that young people have been able to miss school prior to the law by proving the excuse of a stomach complaint or other physical ailment as “cover” for their absence, so new legislation is unnecessary. However, proponents of the bill point to ways in which this change can reduce stigma around mental health, opening up dialogue about anxiety, depression and other conditions. It encourages a responsible approach towards self-care: rather than struggling on when things are getting too much, young people now have permission to take autonomous steps towards their own wellbeing.
On this side of the Atlantic, mental health and its impact upon students is also an issue being closely scrutinised. Like the US, suicide remains a major cause of death. Suicide rates among young people have been increasing in recent years and in 2018 they were at their highest rate on record, making it the biggest killer of young people[6]. 12.8% of young people aged 5-19 meet clinical criteria for a mental health disorder[7]. However, unlike the US, there is already provision in education to recognise poor mental health as a valid reason for absence. Absence to attend appointments with a GP, counsellor or psychiatrist are listed as authorised due to medical appointments on students’ records. Indeed, guidance includes the potential provision of part-time education when full-time studies would not be in the student’s best interest because of their physical or mental health[8]. It’s long been recognised that early intervention is helpful in addressing health issues and many UK schools are proactive in including wellbeing, relaxation, self-care and mental health as part of the curriculum and within extra-curricular activities. Where the UK might benefit from a system more in keeping with that of Oregon might be to allow for a set number of absences in order to allow students to take a day off when they feel mentally “under the weather”: when stress or anxiety is increasing but is not yet at the point of mental illness. As the old adage says, prevention is better than cure. Like the equivalent of some forward thinking employers who offer staff “duvet days”, allowing UK students a set number of days to proactively rest and take steps to maintain wellbeing could help to share the load of responsibility, so that young people themselves are active advocates for their own mental health.
What are your thoughts? Should students be allowed to have a set number or absences when they feel mentally “under the weather”?
About Anthony Savage
Anthony Savage is the Medical Services Manager at Sparta Health, having joined the team in 2017 and is responsible for the overall operational delivery of our high quality services to our clients. He has a solid background in workplace physiology, as well over 12 years of delivering, and holding senior management positions, for leading injury and condition management providers.
He is known for his innovative approach in his design and execution of services and his ability to build enduring relationships.