They are called the "sad generation," the most medicated in history. Many youth today struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety and rising stress. Recent reports indicate that students are feeling increased pressure to succeed in school and are more anxious about their futures. While this trend can be distressing for both students and parents, the good news is private schools are paying special attention to students beyond academics.
Many schools are examining health and wellness issues, and developing creative and helpful solutions that are improving the lives of students. These include co-curricular activities such as arts, exercise, yoga and meditation, and clubs like those at Upper Canada College in Toronto that focus on preventing cliques and social isolation.
"I think we're going to see increased importance placed on this trend," says LINCWell coordinator Megan Sinnott. The LINCWell program at St. Clement's School in Toronto focuses on a research-based approach to overall health and wellness. Part of the program includes resources and workshops for parents, students and teachers.
"We helped students understand why it's possible to study for an exam and then panic and forget everything," Sinnott explains. "And then we offered practical coping strategies such as deep breathing, planting your feet firmly on the ground, and mindfulness to help them stay calm and perform at their best."
Health and wellness also includes a focus on building self-esteem and setting goals. At Robert Land Academy, the emphasis is on helping students track measurable progress in areas such as nutrition, weight loss and exercise.
"We find that students who feel better about themselves physically and emotionally are more likely to treat others better," explains David Harley, dean of studies at the private military boarding school in Wellandport, Ont. "We focus on recognizing the boys for their efforts and help them define themselves in terms of the concrete things they can do."
All of this translates into improved academic performance for most students at the school.
Creating an environment where students feel comfortable expressing concerns, coping with stress and making improvements is an important part of establishing a healthy school. "We take the mentoring aspect of teaching seriously," says Meg Fox, principal of the Dragon Academy in Toronto.
At this small alternative school, building a collaborative community where students can speak openly is the foundation of health and wellness. "Even if you can't fix the situation for a student, offering support goes a long way," she says.
With a focus on the whole child, many schools are realizing the impact wellness programs can have on a student's success in school and beyond. "One of the mandates of our program is to prepare students for life outside school and offer strategies they'll use for the rest of their lives," says Sinnott of the LINCWell program.
Q&A on Health and Wellness, with Ken Rabow
There is always hope for failing or self-sabotaging students. Life coach Ken Rabow works with youth from private and public schools who are struggling to succeed.
Q: What are common health and wellness issues facing students today?
A: There are many ways youth are failing or sabotaging themselves. The first alarms tend to be doing badly on tests and handing in incomplete or late projects; these issues tend to snowball if the right way hasn't been found to change course. Eating disorders, anxiety, stress, computer and video game addiction, or substance abuse including alcohol may become the "monster in the attic." These symptoms are merely red flags for the young person’s underlining feelings of fear and a lack of confidence.
Q: From your experience, how well are private schools helping students with these problems?
A: The huge difference I have seen between the public schools and the private schools is the nurturing environment that private schools have developed to help in these situations. What is most astounding about these very same young adults is that when offered a chance to slowly and safely enter the world "out there" for self-development, they embrace it wholeheartedly.
Private schools are the perfect environments for these individuals, many of whom get the help they need right there. In many cases, I have seen principals involved in overseeing the work done to help these at-risk students, coordinating with people such as myself, tutors (when necessary) and the teachers. Private school teachers always make the time to touch base. Private schools have the systems and resources in place to provide a complete approach in helping these students.
