Sign up for The 74 NewsletterSchools are spending millions of dollars on social-emotional learning programs, social workers and hotlines to support the mental health of students. Research has confirmed that the design of buildings can influence levels of stress, mental health, physical well-being and, in the case of schools, student achievement. As part of my duties, I organized a town hall with high school students. To support student mental wellness, schools should consider sponsoring student-led school beautification projects such as murals, meditation areas and gardens. By paying greater attention to the design of the buildings in which students spend their long days, schools could have a tremendous positive influence on mental health.

Source: New York Times August 29, 2023 22:33 UTC