Stress Levels Increase for Arlington High School Students, Study Finds

ARLINGTON, MA—Stress levels among Arlington High School students have increased since 2013, according to a preliminary study of the findings of Arlington's 2016 Youth Risk Behavior survey.

The survey, which will be released in its entirety following Thursday's School Committee Meeting, found that 41 percent of students felt that they were under too much stress "most of the time or always," an increase of five percentage points from 2013's results of 36 percent. Ivy LaPlante, the Director of the Arlington Youth Health and Safety Coalition(AYHSC), told Patch that the words "most of the time or always" were the most concerning aspects of the results.

"The idea that they feel like they are under stress is concerning," LaPlante said."Not only that they are under stress, but they are under too much stress."

The study, conducted by Arlington Public Schools and the AYHSC, reported that 58 percent of students report that homework or the academic school day is their greatest source of stress. LaPlante said that teaching certain strategies can be very effective in solving the problem without compromising a student's education.

"Teaching more coping strategies such as meditation and relaxation activities can help students be able to safely relax without having to turn to risky behaviors,"added LaPlante.

More alarming however, was a two percentage point-increase in the amount of students who report having seriously considered attempting suicide and a two percentage-point increase in the number of students who reported hurting themselves on purpose. The concern extends nationally, with 17 percent of high school students seriously considering attempting students within the past twelve months as of 2015, according to the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"We can help by making sure the community is more aware of it," LaPlante said."It starts with teachers, guidance counselors and parents especially. Parents may want to help, but don't ask the right questions. Being able to listen to their student and being to provide a safe home is really important."

• Photo Credit: Public Domain Image.