Schools Can Help
Many children spend a large portion of their day at school; therefore, various high-risk situations emerge and can be addressed in school systems. Teachers and administrators can help caregivers manage a child’s specific health needs and encourage healthier behavior choices. Moreover, school-based programs provide a helpful framework for improving child health outcomes and can be supported by anyone who interacts with these children.
Internet Safety and Screen Time have become harder to monitor as the virtual world continues to grow. This chapter discusses ways that teachers and caretakers can monitor a child’s activity on the Internet. It also provides resources for parents, children, and school administrators to learn more about online safety.
Learning disorders are conditions that impact a child’s ability to retain and comprehend new information. This chapter discusses how teachers and caretakers can identify a learning disorder, how these disorders affect the child’s brain, and how different treatment methods can be used to help children learn.
Language disorders are conditions that impact a child’s ability to use and understand language. This chapter discusses the types of language disorders and how these disorders affect a child’s mental, social, and educational well-being. Risk factors and common signs and symptoms of these disorders are also listed. Moreover, this chapter provides information and resources for parents and school administrators on how to help a child learn and connect with others.
Toxic stress and resilience are two significant topics that can impact a child’s health and well-being. Toxic stress causes long-term health effects. However, a child can learn to be resilient, which involves coping and adapting to stressful experiences. Additionally, this chapter provides resources to help caregivers create environments full of positivity and growth for their child.
Special needs children and families have conditions that can be chronic, physical, behavioral, and emotional. This chapter discusses sources of discrimination against those with special needs, techniques that can decrease stress for teachers and caregivers, and the barriers preventing these children from accessing care. Resources are listed to provide parents with support in navigating the special education system.
School violence interferes with learning and upsets both students and the community at large. This chapter outlines the types of school violence and their potential causes and warning signs. It also describes the health impacts school violence has on children, and how to react properly to these situations. Further information is given regarding how school faculty and staff, parents, and even students can prevent school violence.
Bullying can take on many forms and can happen in many different environments, one of which is school systems. This chapter discusses the types of bullying and the environmental factors that foster bullying. Strategies for combating bullying and developing resilience strategies can be found in the resources.
LGBTQIA+ Youth can face adversity in the form of bullying, violence, discrimination, and/or even internal loss of identity. This chapter informs readers about the gender and sexuality movement and potential risk factors for adversity in the LGBTQIA community. National organizations are listed to help adults promote protective factors, such as a safe and accepting school environment for all children.
