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Supporting Teen Mental Health & Wellness Over the Summer

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Supporting Teen Mental Health & Wellness Over the Summer

Summer can be an important time for rest, growth, connection and recovery for teens. At the same time, changes in routine, social pressures, increased screen time, work stress, sleep disruption or mental health concerns can impact emotional wellness. Families play an important role in helping teens stay connected, supported and emotionally healthy during the summer months.

Support Healthy Routines

Even with a more flexible summer schedule, teens benefit from structure and consistency. Encourage:

  • Consistent sleep and wake times
  • Regular meals, hydration and physical activity
  • Time outdoors and sunlight exposure
  • Daily responsibilities and routines
  • Opportunities for healthy peer and adult connection
  • Balanced technology and social media use

Encourage Healthy Technology Habits

Technology can help teens stay connected, but excessive or unhealthy use may impact sleep, mood, stress and self-esteem. Families can support a healthy balance by:

  • Creating screen-free time during meals and before bed
  • Encouraging face-to-face interaction and offline activities
  • Talking openly about social media pressures and online conflict
  • Monitoring for signs that technology use may be negatively affecting mood or functioning
  • Helping teens reflect on how apps and online interactions impact their emotional well-being

The goal is not to eliminate technology, but to help teens build awareness, balance and healthy habits.

Prioritize Connection

Teens are more likely to open up when they feel emotionally safe and supported. Helpful approaches include:

  • Checking in regularly without pressure
  • Listening without immediately trying to solve the problem
  • Validating emotions and experiences
  • Spending intentional time together
  • Staying curious rather than critical

Simple conversation starters may include:

  • “How have you been feeling lately?”
  • “What has been stressful recently?”
  • “What’s been going well this summer?”

Know When to Seek Additional Support

Some emotional ups and downs are normal. Consider additional support if your teen is experiencing:

  • Persistent sadness or anxiety
  • Social withdrawal or isolation
  • Significant irritability or emotional outbursts
  • Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
  • Increased substance use
  • Self-harm behaviors or suicidal thoughts
  • Difficulty functioning in daily life

Finding Mental Health Support

Mental health support is not only for crisis situations. Families may consider reaching out to:

  • Your child’s pediatrician or primary care physician
  • A previous or current therapist
  • School counseling or mental health staff during the school year
  • Trusted community or faith supports

Helpful community resources include:

Crisis & Immediate Support

If your child is in immediate danger or expressing suicidal thoughts:

  • Call 911 and request a mental health co-responder if available
  • Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • Seek emergency mental health evaluation if needed

Final Reminder

Protective factors for teens often include strong adult relationships, healthy routines, meaningful activities, emotional safety and access to support when needed. Small moments of connection, consistency and encouragement can make a meaningful difference in a teen’s overall wellness. To find additional resources during breaks, please review the district's Student Well-Being page.