Health

Learn more about how the physical well-being of students and staff impact schools
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign event, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Walker, Mich.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., speaks before President-elect Donald Trump at a campaign event on Sept. 27, 2024 in Walker, Mich. Trump has selected Kennedy to serve as secretary of health and human services in his second term.
Carlos Osorio/AP
Federal What Could RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary Mean for School Vaccine Requirements?
The vaccine skeptic in line to lead the mammoth federal agency could influence schools' vaccine rules, even though they're set by states.
Matthew Stone, November 15, 2024
6 min read
Illustration of a female student sitting at her desk and holding hands against her temples while swirls of pencils, papers, question marks, stars, and exclamation marks swirl around her head.
iStock/Getty
Student Well-Being Download Traumatic Brain Injuries Are More Common Than You Think. Here's What to Know
Here's how educators can make sure injured students don't fall behind as they recover.
Brooke Schultz, November 12, 2024
1 min read
An empty classroom with chairs, desks, and a green chalkboard, illuminated by sunlight, evoking education concept. 3D Rendering
iStock/Getty
Student Well-Being From Our Research Center Many Classrooms Lack Natural Light. Teachers Say That’s a Problem
Natural light is vital to the mental and physical health of students and teachers.
Arianna Prothero, September 30, 2024
5 min read
Closeup photo of a white adolescent exhaling smoke from an e-cigarette
iStock/Getty
Student Well-Being Are Kids Still Vaping?
The FDA identifies a "monumental public health win," but there's still more work to do.
Lauraine Langreo, September 12, 2024
2 min read
A young Black girl with her head down on a stack of books at her desk in a classroom
E+/Getty
Student Well-Being Don’t Just Blame Social Media for Kids’ Poor Mental Health—Blame a Lack of Sleep
Research shows that poor sleep leads to poor mental health—a link that experts say is overshadowed by the frenzy over social media.
Arianna Prothero, September 6, 2024
5 min read
Assembly member Lori Wilson, Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, attends a meeting of the California legislature on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Sacramento, Calif.
Assembly member Lori Wilson attends a meeting of the California legislature on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Sacramento, Calif. Wilson sponsored a student proposal for a menstrual education curriculum, which passed the state Senate on Aug. 28 and now goes to the Democratic governor.
Juliana Yamada/AP
Equity & Diversity Another State Could Mandate Period Education. Will It Catch On?
Few states mandate menstrual education, as lawmakers nationally scrutinize what can be discussed about gender in the classroom.
Brooke Schultz, September 3, 2024
5 min read
Person being helped from a pill bottle by a healthcare provider
iStock/Getty
Student Well-Being Teen Substance Use Is Declining, But More Dangerous Drug Abuse Is Emerging
There are rising concerns about teens' access to more lethal drugs such as fentanyl.
Lauraine Langreo, August 28, 2024
3 min read
Image of athletes in a team huddle.
E+
Student Well-Being 6 Ways for Schools to Promote Student-Athletes' Well-Being
Student-athletes may want to further their athletic careers after graduation, and educators can support them both academically and mentally.
Isaiah Hayes, August 12, 2024
6 min read
A student races to the school bus after dismissal, Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Tri-Point Elementary and Junior High School in Piper City, Ill.
A student races to the school bus after dismissal on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Tri-Point Elementary and Junior High School in Piper City, Ill. A new report illustrates how the oldest school buses in the nation are concentrated in districts with large low-income populations, contributing to poor air quality that can hurt students' academic performance.
Joshua A. Bickel/AP
Student Well-Being The Districts Where School Buses Emit the Most Toxic Fumes
Poor air quality hurts students' health and academic performance, research has shown, and diesel-powered buses are a contributor.
Mark Lieberman, August 6, 2024
6 min read
A sign posted at The Vancouver Clinic in Vancouver, Wash., warns patients and visitors of a measles outbreak on Jan. 30, 2019.
A sign posted at The Vancouver Clinic in Vancouver, Wash., warns patients and visitors of a measles outbreak on Jan. 30, 2019. A new outbreak has flared in Oregon this summer, and cases have been detected in 25 states and the District of Columbia.
Gillian Flaccus/AP
Student Well-Being Measles Outbreaks Have More Than Tripled. How Schools Can Help
Getting more parents to vaccinate their children means leaning into relationships. Most states offer resources, too.
Sarah D. Sparks, July 29, 2024
3 min read
Photo of a diverse group of elementary children swimming with floats in a swimming pool with their Black male instructor behind them watching.
E+
Student Well-Being How School Districts Nationwide Can Build Water Safety for Students
Take a look at how these districts help prepare students for the water by providing water safety and swim lessons for their students.
Isaiah Hayes, July 24, 2024
5 min read
FILE - The Supreme Court is seen under stormy skies in Washington, June 20, 2019. In the coming days, the Supreme Court will confront a perfect storm mostly of its own making, a trio of decisions stemming directly from the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take up a case about a state law that bars certain medical care for transgender minors, with the legal issues holding potential implications for schools.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Law & Courts Supreme Court Case on Transgender Youth Medical Care May Impact Schools
The justices will decide whether a Tennessee law that bars certain treatments for transgender minors violates the equal-protection clause.
Mark Walsh, June 24, 2024
5 min read
A menstrual product dispenser inside a women's restroom in Purdue University Stewart Center on Feb. 6, 2020, in West Lafayette, Ind. More than half of the states have legislation on the books either requiring products be stocked in schools, or provide funding to purchase them.
A menstrual product dispenser inside a women's restroom in Purdue University Stewart Center on Feb. 6, 2020, in West Lafayette, Ind. Legislation in a number of states seeks to provide more access to pads and tampons for students in K-12 schools.
Nikos Frazier/Journal & Courier via AP
Equity & Diversity States That Require Period Products for Free in Schools
More and more states are either requiring K-12 schools to stock pads and tampons, or provide funding for schools to do so.
Brooke Schultz, June 10, 2024
1 min read
Photograph of hygienic tampons and a sanitary pad on a blue background.
iStock/Getty
Equity & Diversity More Schools Stock Tampons and Pads, But Access Is Still a Problem
Period products are becoming more commonplace in schools. But there are gaps in funding—and in access, a barrier for lower-income students.
Brooke Schultz, June 10, 2024
7 min read