Unpacking the Mental Health Epidemic in Schools: Who’s at Fault?
Who’s Really to Blame for the Mental Health Epidemic in Our Schools?
Parents? Schools? Social media? How about the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Stanley Cup drought? Why not Taylor Swift? (no offence intended to the Swifties)
Yes, blame can be thrown in every direction. Social media gets the spotlight, but it’s not the sole villain. Parents, schools, tech companies, and even societal norms all share the burden of this crisis. The truth is we all own a part in it.
And while we’re here, can someone please take ownership for their hand in this?.
The Blame Game
Parents
Are parents to blame? Absolutely. I’ll own it—I could’ve done a better job regulating phone use and social media in my home. That’s one of the challenges of parenting post-divorce; rules in one household don’t always match the other.
Parents also model behaviours. Kids notice when we’re scrolling through dinner or glued to screens instead of connecting. If we don’t show them balance, how can we expect them to find it on their own?
Schools
Are schools to blame? Yes. Schools are under immense pressure, but they still need to take responsibility.
You can launch your billion-dollar lawsuits directed at social media companies, but don’t think for a second that you don’t own a piece of this responsibility.
Many schools are behind the times, clinging to outdated curricula that fail to reflect the realities students face today. Social-emotional learning (SEL) programs, which could provide much-needed support, are often overlooked or given minimal attention. Most would receive a sub-par grade if schools asked students to rate these programs. 95% of the students who we ran through the HowAreYouFeeling.org program (approximately 500 students when I was moderating) felt their schools completely missed the mark in teaching kids mental and emotional health.
Beyond this, mental health is rarely prioritized, and resources like counsellors and wellness initiatives are underfunded. Schools often default to focusing on grades and test scores, conveying that academic success matters more than emotional well-being. When students feel disconnected, unengaged, or unsupported, they turn elsewhere—often to social media—for validation and stimulation. Is it possible to truly achieve academic success without emotional regulation?
Social Media and Tech Companies
Is social media to blame? Of course. Platforms are designed to hook users with endless scrolling, addictive notifications, and algorithms that exploit human psychology. These companies profit off attention, often at the expense of mental health.
But social media isn’t the only culprit. It’s part of a larger cultural issue where being “plugged in” is glorified. Kids are expected to keep up with group chats, trends, and picture-perfect social feeds. The pressure is constant, and the comparison game never ends.
Why It’s Time to Stop Pointing Fingers
The problem isn’t any single factor—it’s how all these influences collide. Kids are caught in a perfect storm of parental inconsistency, outdated educational systems, and relentless digital demands.
Blaming one entity absolves everyone else of accountability. Social media might amplify the problem, but it didn’t create it. Schools might struggle with funding and resources, but they can’t afford to ignore mental health. And parents, like me, must acknowledge where we fell short, even when it’s uncomfortable.
What Needs to Change?
For Parents
Set boundaries and model healthy screen habits. Put the phone down during meals.
Have open conversations about mental health, social media, and its effects.
Be consistent with rules, even if co-parenting makes it tough.
For Schools
Modernize outdated curricula to reflect the realities of today’s students.
Make mental health and SEL programs as important as grades.
Seek and act on honest feedback from students about what works and what doesn’t.
Foster engaging, tech-savvy learning environments without over-reliance on screens.
For Tech Companies
Stop prioritizing profit over people. Design platforms that encourage mindful use rather than addiction.
Take responsibility for the impact your products have on young users.
Donate some of your billions in profits to appropriate resources for parents, schools and kids
The Bigger Picture
Blaming isn’t solving. Kids don’t care who’s at fault—they need support, understanding, and actionable change. Depression and anxiety don’t wait for us to sort out our guilt or find scapegoats. They thrive in silence, in places where parents are distracted, schools are unprepared, and tech companies look the other way.
Owning Our Part
We all need to step up. Parents, schools, tech companies, and communities each have a role to play. I’m not here to absolve myself or anyone else. I could’ve done more as a parent. But instead of pointing fingers, let’s ask: What can I do today to make a difference?
It’s time to move past blame and into action. Our kids deserve it.
