Children and Mental Health: Using Behavioral Activation to Combat the ‘Summer Slump’

Physicians who work with children and teens have seen it before: The “summer slump.” When school lets out for summer break, students no longer follow routines, complete tasks or participate in groups during the summer break, and feelings of isolation and decreased social interaction can follow. 

To fill time, there’s often more online use, particularly social media, exposure that’s not always healthy and can never replace face-to-face interaction. Mix it, and you’ve got a perfect storm for learning loss, boredom, unproductivity, and loneliness. All of this can heighten a child’s depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The data supporting this indicates that its impact is far-reaching and that physicians can help parents and caregivers combat the “summer slump.” 

According to a study by the American Education Research Association, summer break causes 52% of students to forget an average of 39% of the gains they made during the school year. A 2023 study by Mental Health America showed while 2 million youths experienced depression, roughly 60% went untreated. The U.S. Department of Education also notes: “Students are six times more likely to receive mental health services when they are delivered at school.” There is a mental health crisis, and schools are the one place many young people get help. But when classes let out, and services aren’t available, mental health gets neglected. 

Parents and behavioral activation

It’s important to keep in mind that parents, with physician support, can beat the summer slump, particularly with planning and resources. For instance, there’s behavioral activation, which involves scheduling activities that encourage children to reconnect with environmental positive reinforcement and decrease avoidant behaviors and negative emotions. 

There are many activities parents can leverage, like consistent exercising, going out to dinner, and for younger children, things like ensuring personal hygiene through basics like showering regularly. 

Caregivers should begin by having open conversations with children about their mental health. They should also create a safe and non-judgmental environment and build trust. From there, caregivers can work with children to create a plan that shows that they see them, are invested in them, and will do what’s necessary to help their children achieve long-term success. 

What’s more, with parents often working, supervision can be tough to arrange. Making matters worse, when family members are running in different directions, food insecurity can occur. This happens when there’s no consistent access to nutritious food, which can also impact physical and mental health. 

To keep tabs on children, the National Institute of Mental Health has identified signs that indicate a decline in mental health. For children, signs range from frequent tantrums and sleep issues to imagined health problems and a lack of interest in continuing or making new friendships, among others. For teens, signs include low energy and fear of gaining weight to self-harm behaviors and use of alcohol and drugs.

Readily available resources

When planning or encouraging activities for behavioral activation, parents should explore available resources. These includes: 

• Accessible summer programs:  Some towns and cities have a lot to offer children in the summer. Check out community centers, libraries, area gyms, and nonprofits to take advantage of what are often low-cost or even free programs.
• Online education: Name the subject and there’s an online educational program for it. The options are virtually limitless if a child wants fundamentals like math or languages. Then again, maybe something other than a traditional course will grab their attention, helping them to learn while having fun. 
• Social network: We all need friends and the opportunities for interaction that come along with them. Facilitate activities with friends and consider coordinating activities with other parents. 

Still, perhaps the most important resource of all is mental health support, which is often led by their primary care physician. 

Tools and tech for teens

Technology can lend a hand. A Gallup survey has shown teens spend nearly 5 hours per day on social media. Web-based behavioral health apps offer teens a safe place to talk about issues with both peers and qualified professionals. The support is often 24×7, and the platforms can help identify those who may be in danger and alert trained professionals to handle the situation.

These apps reach students where they are, online, and teach coping skills for critical but basic things like managing anxiety. Sometimes teens can handle issues with a self-service approach that doesn’t require in-person therapy or medications. In the summer, these apps can keep teens from slipping through the cracks when they may have easily treatable issues.

Like any other holistic advice to give patients, keep the three Rs of summer mental health in mind: rest, recreation, and routine. Sleep plays a critical role in learning and our mental health. Kids should experience healthy movement, particularly by being outside and engaging in exercise. Ultimately, caregivers must ensure children have set routines, however, physicians can help outline the framework and explain expectations for healthy children (and families).

Photo: SDI Productions, Getty Images

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