Too many schools are struggling to keep up with the rising mental health and behavioral challenges among students.
Teachers and administrators are overwhelmed, students are slipping through the cracks, and good intentions aren’t enough.
Traditional methods simply don’t cut it. Schools need proven, research-backed strategies to support student well-being in ways that actually make a difference. Ignoring this isn’t just an oversight—it’s a risk to students’ health, learning, and future success.
According to SchoolSafety.gov, “Schools are critical partners in supporting the mental health and well-being of students. They provide opportunities for social, mental health, and physical health services.”
That means educators have a responsibility to go beyond academics and rethink how they support students emotionally, socially, and mentally. The good news? There are clear, effective ways to do this. But it requires a shift—moving away from outdated approaches and embracing strategies that are backed by data and real-world student success.
Here’s what schools need to focus on to improve student well-being in meaningful ways.
Key Takeaways:
- Schools need to use research-backed methods like mindfulness and social-emotional learning to support student well-being.
- A team-based, school-wide effort is the most effective way to support students.
- Schools should go beyond academics and create a system that nurtures students’ overall well-being for better outcomes.
Understanding Student Wellness
Student wellness encompasses a child’s health on many levels:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Social
- Mental wellbeing
Addressing student wellness helps increase attendance, motivation, participation, and academic outcomes at school. Of course, schools want to focus on academic outcomes. But first, they must address the rising need for behavioral and mental health interventions.
Emphasizing connection before content is critical to positive student outcomes. The Center on Reinventing Public Education (Arizona State University) agrees. They found that social-emotional learning (SEL) is foundational to academic instruction. They also noted the importance of associated skills such as self-regulation and collaboration. “Academic learning is inherently social and emotional, and integrating all those aspects can effectively promote whole-child development.”
CASEL has found the same. As the site notes, “The systemic integration of SEL into students’ daily experiences is a vital component of what makes schools and students successful.”
The goal should be to integrate social-emotional learning into our academic lesson plans. Yes, this takes professional learning and some reverse engineering. However, supporting our educators as they grow their skills can help them better support their students. It will help us all better understand how to improve student well-being.
How to Improve Student Well-Being: Key Evidence-Based Practices
For evidence-based practices to become part of a school’s culture, all staff must embrace them. We have to get them to understand the concept of putting students before outcomes. Schoolwide practices will support all students.
They will also help identify and support individual students with their needs. Why? Responsive leadership and teaching means educators meet students where they are.
Here are a few key evidence-based practices schools can practice:
Mindfulness
Among the first of these practices is mindfulness. To be mindful means to pay attention on purpose, in the present moment, and without judgment. Mindfulness can take many forms, including:
- Mindful breathing
- Movement
- Grounding
- Gratitude
Learning and integrating mindfulness into daily life provides students with increased:
- Focus
- Attention
- Self-control
- Comparison
Heidi Horne, a mental health and wellness coach that has worked with dozens of schools says:
“Mindfulness-based interventions have been incredibly effective in reducing stress and anxiety while improving focus and emotional regulation. I’ve implemented these programs with great success in schools.”
And the truth is that the initial act of teaching mindfulness to students may take time. This is because it is complex to explain the purpose and process.
Still, daily mindfulness practice in the classroom can take as little as thirty seconds. You could engage in mindfulness right before a lesson.
Students who incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives have seen great personal improvements. They’ve enjoyed fewer academic performance challenges and behavioral challenges. And this is just one step toward understanding how to improve student well-being.
Schoolwide Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum
Even the most effective practices will not have a widespread impact if they are limited to one or two spaces within a school. School leaders and teachers must identify a shared SEL curriculum. They must also all embrace it in all areas of the school throughout the school day.
Aliesha Embleton, a child development coach and award-winning and best-selling author says:
“Research has shown that SEL programs enhance students’ emotional regulation, self-awareness, and relationship-building skills, all of which contribute to their ability to overcome challenges.
By incorporating SEL, I help students not just cope with stress but learn how to use setbacks as stepping stones to personal growth. This focus on resilience aligns perfectly with our approach, where students are taught to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, empowering them to face academic, social, and emotional hurdles with confidence and adaptability.”
Students can transfer SEL skills they discuss into situations throughout their day. They will then carry them over their years in K-12 education and when they leave the classroom. For this reason, curriculum adoption is vital. It will provide a framework for the school’s
- SEL
- Behavior
- Culture
- Climate
Students who feel connected at school are more likely to have improved attendance. They are also more likely to improve interactions with peers and adults.
Increase Awareness of Mental Health
We must realize that we cannot help students achieve wellness unless we provide them with the skills and space to discuss mental health. These discussions will contribute to a more inclusive environment. They will also reduce the stigma around student mental health.
- Schools can integrate mental health literacy into the classroom:
- Through class meetings or related class content
- During school-wide intervention time with small groups
- Through group meetings before or after hours
Students who gain skills early on are more prepared to recognize, manage, and prevent mental health disorders. Wellness programs related to mental health provide students with voice and vocabulary. As author Brene Brown says, naming an experience allows for understanding and meaning.
Early Identification of Student Needs and Appropriate Interventions
It’s also critical to realize that we have to identify the need and intervene early and correctly. Implementing schoolwide practices we’ve already discussed will have a positive impact on all students. However, these foundational pieces might not provide enough support for each student.
Brandy Samuell, eLuma’s Director of Mental Health and Related Services, makes this clear. “Early identification is crucial in ensuring that students receive the support they need to succeed. By recognizing academic, behavioral, and mental health needs early on, schools can tailor interventions and resources to help each student effectively.”
This proactive approach ensures we address issues before they become more significant problems. It also fosters a supportive and inclusive learning environment. First, we must adopt early identification programs like Universal Screening. Then, we can create a framework that supports all students’ success. This will help them overcome challenges and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Partnerships between Students, Staff, Families, and the Community
We should not limit student wellness to school hours. All community members must support student wellness, including physical, emotional, social, and mental health.
Schools must consider partnerships with outside agencies providing additional services such as counselors, therapists, or mentors.
Consider hosting events at the school to gain the support of families and guardians. You can share ideas about proactive approaches to students’ wellness. You can also discuss the benefits for student health and academic achievement. Welcome community members into the school building to build trust and lasting relationships.
eLuma’s Solutions for Student Wellness
eLuma provides online therapy and student support to help schools improve student well-being. With over 10 years of experience, schools can count on eLuma to support both students and staff.
We offer assessments, universal screening, classroom guidance, and staff professional development training to help all students at the first level of support (Tier 1).
For students who need extra help (Tier 2 and 3), eLuma’s secure platform and expert providers help school leaders make the right decisions about support and interventions.
Whether students need counseling or teachers need resources to help them, eLuma is here, committed to building brighter futures for students.,
Initiating Change
Education in the 21st century requires school leaders and teachers to embrace new practices. These practices must be evidence-based to improve student wellness. Implementing these changes demands commitment and time, of course. But without them, students will continue to struggle with their mental and physical health.
Integrating evidence-based practices across all aspects of the school day is essential. Our goal is to create an effective and supportive learning environment. When implemented, schools will see:
- Improved Student Outcomes
- Consistency and Equity in Service Delivery
- Informed Decision-Making
As Samuell notes, “Evidence-based practices can be implemented through professional development, data-driven decisions, collaboration, continuous improvement, integration across the curriculum, and family engagement.
“By embedding evidence-based practices into every facet of the school day, schools can create a more effective and responsive educational environment that supports all students in achieving their fullest potential.”
eLuma provides schools with online mental and behavioral health support. Our commitment to student wellness incorporates solutions for all K-12 students. We can build a customized solution to support your district and school needs. We can even help you get the funding you need for these services. To learn more about eLuma’s services, explore our website or schedule a free consultation with a team member.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is student well-being important in schools?
Student well-being directly impacts many areas. These include academic performance, attendance, and overall school engagement. Schools that prioritize mental, emotional, and social health help students thrive academically and personally.
What are some evidence-based practices that improve student well-being?
Effective practices include mindfulness techniques and schoolwide social-emotional learning (SEL) programs. We want to see early identification of student needs and an integration of mental health awareness into the curriculum. These approaches help create a supportive learning environment.
How can schools implement social-emotional learning (SEL) effectively?
Schools should adopt a structured, research-backed SEL curriculum. They should also ensure it is integrated throughout the school day. This includes training educators and using consistent SEL language across settings. We also need to be sure to engage families and communities in the process.
What role do families and communities play in supporting student wellness?
Families and community organizations play a crucial role in reinforcing student wellness outside of school. Schools can partner with mental health professionals. They can also host wellness events and maintain open communication between schools and families. This helps create a comprehensive support system.
