The Importance of School Connectedness for the Mental Health of Black Students

In recent years, the connection between students’ sense of belonging in school and their mental health has gained significant attention. A study from Rutgers University-New Brunswick emphasizes this link, especially for Black students, illustrating that school connectedness can have a profound impact on long-term mental health. The study, which used data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study, found that a strong sense of school connectedness in early years can help reduce symptoms of depression and aggressive behaviors later in life, especially in girls. Consequently, the quality of relationships within schools, which can be fostered through smaller class sizes and other initiatives, is instrumental in promoting better student outcomes. Increasing Mental Health Concerns and The Crucial Role of Schools The mental health crisis among students is growing, particularly among LGBTQ and Black students. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 70% of LGBTQ students reported persistent feelings of hopelessness. Public schools have witnessed an upsurge in students seeking mental health services. This has led the U.S. Department of Education to allocate considerable funds, over 286 million, for supporting student mental health in schools. Particularly, school nurses play a pivotal role in this system. They...