Back to School, Back to Normal? The Effects of Pandemic-Era Education on Children’s Mental Health and How to Help Them Succeed This School Year
Thrive • August 16, 2022
By Thrive Wellness Reno Therapist Falon Schnieder, MFT
Although deemed necessary for public health, the ever-changing and complicated precautions, shifts in socialization, and virtual learning implemented during the pandemic continue to have harmful effects on many children’s mental health. As children continue to face fluctuations in formal education amid a tumultuous pandemic period and ongoing uncertainty, therapy can help them process their emotions while also teaching them to practice resiliency in their return to school this fall.
HOW ABNORMAL SCHOOLING HAS CHANGED CHILDREN’S LIVES
For children, irregular education during the pandemic influenced:
- The way they express themselves and read emotions: Social cues are much easier to identify in person without the obstruction of computer screens and masks. Virtual learning and masks have disrupted children’s socialization skills by impeding their ability to express themselves and read emotions naturally.
- The way they use technology: Many children have developed an increased dependence on technology for both education and entertainment. In my clinical practice, youth cases of anxiety and aggression have risen with children’s expanded use of technology.
- The way they view the future: Many children that I work with are facing heightened health anxiety about the risk of sickness and death in themselves and their loved ones, which can be pervasive to their functioning and learning, such as by limiting their ability to focus and negatively affecting their sleep quality .
- The way they view themselves: Many children who have difficulty processing sensory information have struggled with virtual learning and mask-wearing. Consequently, these children may have acted out by not paying attention during online classes, not wearing a mask, or seemingly misbehaving in other ways. Despite good intentions, related punishment can lead to diminished self-esteem . Some children who were already introverted have become even more shy and fearful of social interaction.
- Their food and housing security: Many children relied on school meal programs which were largely inaccessible during the height of the pandemic and, in some cases, have not been reinstated. There was also an increase in rates of child abuse and neglect during this time. Educators often recognize and report signs of trouble at home, with 16% of child protective services investigated cases submitted by educators. Some children who suffered abuse or neglect at home went unnoticed while schools were closed.
THE STRUGGLES OF RETURNING TO TYPICAL SCHOOLING
Upon returning to normal instruction, children may experience challenges, such as:
- Social acceptance anxieties: Children that I’ve worked with have expressed fear that they won’t be accepted by their peers, a concern they didn’t have pre-pandemic.
- Unwillingness to leave their parents: Many children adapted to being at home more and may consequently struggle with anxiety about separating from their parents. Children who experience anxiety about their parents contracting illness may also resist attending school.
- Bullying : Some children who continue to wear masks have had negative interactions with peers who pass judgment.
- Struggle to re-adapt to structure: Children may also have difficulty adjusting to a stricter routine of in-person education.
HOW THERAPY CAN HELP CHILDREN READJUST TO TRADITIONAL INSTRUCTION
Throughout the pandemic, children have had to adjust and readjust to varying levels of restrictions. Facing yet another drastic life transition with the return to regular learning, children may feel confused, distressed, and fearful.
Therapy can help children accept and adapt to the change by:
- Validating the complex and wide-ranging emotions they may experience
- Allowing them to process grief over the loss of typical day-to-day activities
- Teaching them skills to cope with any anxiety
- Helping them integrate strategies that encourage their flexibility and resilience
- Empowering them to contend with any future unexpected life changes
HOW PARENTS CAN HELP FACILITATE THE RETURN TO STANDARD SCHOOLING
Even before the pandemic, schooling presented many challenges for children. The pandemic added complex layers to education, and as children return to more regular learning this fall, they may feel as if they are expected to automatically reacclimate to life as normal when it’s anything but.
Parents can support their children in this transition by:
- Understanding their child’s school day experience: Often, when parents ask their children about their school day, they will respond with a simple “good” or “fine.” To gain further insight, a parent can ask their child open-ended questions, such as, “What were the high and low parts of your day?” If children reveal they are struggling, parents can also ask if they want help solving the problem or if they just want someone to listen.
- Support them in finding solutions to any problems: If their child is facing challenges, a parent should determine whether to help their child self-advocate or to take a more direct role. If parents choose to allow their children to navigate their struggles independently, parents may encourage their children to rehearse self-advocacy interactions at home.
- Validating any of their child’s concerns: Parents should try to provide a welcoming, safe environment for their children to express their feelings related to school. Parents may even offer different ways for their children to communicate their emotions, such as through writing, play, and music .
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN AT THRIVE WELLNESS
Many of Thrive Wellness’ mental health clinicians specialize in therapeutic approaches and programs for children, such as:
- Play therapy : A modality that allows children to express themselves in their natural language of play.
- Child-parent psychotherapy: An intervention tailored to children five years old and younger who’ve experienced trauma and involves caregivers.
- Circle of security parenting: A program intended for parents to learn different ways of connecting with their children to promote healthy bonding.
If your child is struggling with their imminent return to school or any other behavioral or mental health struggles, our therapists can provide care that empowers them to heal and grow. Reach out to learn more about our therapeutic services for children.
While all Thrive Wellness locations offer interdisciplinary clinical teams who collaborate to treat eating disorders, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), and additional mental and behavioral health conditions, programs and services may vary by location.
About the Author
Thrive Wellness Reno Therapist Falon Schnieder, MFT
Falon Schnieder, MFT, attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where she earned both a bachelor’s of science in human development and family studies as well as a master’s degree in counseling and educational psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy (MFT). She began her career as a therapist serving children and adolescents with significant mental and behavioral health needs in an outpatient setting. Since then, Falon has worked extensively within a child welfare system where she worked with children entering into foster care, biological parents, and foster and adoptive parents.
As a rostered child-parent psychotherapy (CPP), she provides didactic therapeutic services to infants, children, and parents, and specializes in infant and early childhood mental health, trauma, and attachment. Falon is also a board-approved secondary supervisor providing training in child-parent psychotherapy for aspiring marriage and family therapists (MFTs) and clinical professional counselors (CPCs).
As a therapist at Thrive Wellness Reno, Falon serves children from infancy to age 17, families, and parents struggling with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). She is passionate about infant and early childhood mental health as well as providing support to caregivers during what can be the most rewarding, yet challenging endeavor — parenting. Falon enjoys helping families learn new ways to connect with each other, overcome challenges, and experience triumphs on their journey. She believes that providing mental health care services to the community is an important element of well-being for all and is an advocate for destigmatizing mental health.
The Greenhouse at Thrive Wellness A New Chapter of Hope and Healing in Nevada On Friday, November 14 , we gathered with our partners at Molina Healthcare to share an important moment for our community. Together, we celebrated Molina’s generous $50,000 grant , an investment that is helping bring The Greenhouse to life. Their support is not only a financial contribution—it’s a statement of belief in the young people and families of Nevada who deserve access to compassionate, evidence-based mental healthcare close to home. This gathering marked the beginning of something we’ve dreamed about for years: a place designed specifically for adolescents and emerging adults to receive the care, connection, and support they need during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Something New Is Growing In early 2026 , Thrive Wellness will open The Greenhouse , Nevada’s first residential treatment center devoted to adolescents and emerging adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD . For too long, families have faced a heartbreaking dilemma—send their child far from home for treatment or go without the specialized care they need. The Greenhouse is our answer to that gap. It will be a place where young people can settle into an environment built for healing, where they are understood, supported, and surrounded by a team that believes in their capacity to recover. The Greenhouse represents a natural extension of our mission. It’s a living expression of our belief that recovery is possible—and that with the right support, families can find their footing again.
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season? Thrive Wellness is excited to continue our 6th Annual Giving Tree Program in collaboration with Perenn Bakery this winter. This year, Thrive Wellness Reno and Perenn Bakery are proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northern Nevada. The organization supports families with children receiving treatment at area hospitals, providing comfort, hope, and a home-away-from-home during challenging times. Ronald McDonald House Charities offers essential services, removes barriers, strengthens families, and promotes healing when children need healthcare the most. How It Works Simply take one (or a few) tags from the Giving Tree, each listing an item you can purchase and donate for residents of the Ronald McDonald House. Then, drop off your item(s) at one of our designated donation locations by Friday, December 19. Items Needed: Restaurant gift cards Walmart or Target gift cards Games, puzzles, and coloring books Toys (Barbie, Hot Wheels, Lego sets, craft sets, magnet blocks, baby dolls, action figures, journals, infant toys, etc.) Children's books (picture, chapter, and graphic novels) Toiletry sets (for adults) Lotion/self-care gift sets (for adults) Sweatshirts/hoodies (adults, XS-XXL) Scarves, gloves, fuzzy socks, pajamas (all sizes) Infant diapers, onesies, and baby bottles Bulk individually wrapped snacks (granola bars, chips, etc.) Please ensure all donations are new, in original packaging, and unwrapped. Donation Drop-Off Locations Please deliver donations by Friday, December 19, to one of the following sites: Thrive Wellness 201 W Liberty St., Suite 201, Reno, NV 89501 Perenn Grocery 7600 Rancharrah Pkwy, Suite 130, Reno, NV 89511 The first 50 people to return their donations will receive a complimentary ornament gift! Why We Give Back Through our Giving Tree program, we’re honoring one of our core values at Thrive Wellness: staying rooted in community. This annual tradition allows us to give back to those who need support most during the holiday season. We invite you to join us by taking a tag at any Thrive or Perenn location and helping spread kindness throughout our community. There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by supporting local families with thoughtful, heartfelt donations. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and continued support. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
Eating disorders are one of the most serious mental health concerns facing today’s adolescents. They can affect every aspect of a young person’s life, including their physical health, school performance, relationships, self-esteem, and more. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 2.7% of adolescents in the U.S. will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, and many more engage in disordered eating behaviors that may not meet full diagnostic criteria. The good news is that providers are in an influential position to notice early warning signs, open conversations, and connect families to support before these patterns of behavior become too engrained. Why Early Intervention Matters The earlier an eating disorder is identified and treated, the better the treatment outcomes. Research shows that getting support quickly after the disorder’s onset is linked to faster recovery, lower relapse rates, and healthier long-term development (Treasure & Russell, 2011). Waiting too long to seek help can mean medical complications, deeply ingrained behaviors, and a more difficult path to healing. For many adolescents, a caring provider who notices the signs and advocates for treatment can make all the difference in recovery and can even save lives. Recognizing Early Warning Signs Adolescents may not always disclose their struggles directly, so providers should keep an eye out for a range of indicators: Physical signs: noticeable weight changes, menstrual irregularities, digestive issues, dizziness, or fatigue. Behavioral patterns: skipping meals, restrictive eating, excessive exercise, frequent dieting, eating in secret, or leaving for the bathroom after meals. Emotional and cognitive signs: preoccupation with weight or body shape, food rituals, heightened anxiety around eating, or perfectionistic tendencies. It’s important to remember that eating disorders don’t always “look” a certain way. Teens can be distressed about food and body image even if their weight appears to be within a “normal” range. Screening Tools and Assessments Using free screening tools available online can be an effective way to gauge a patient’s needs and gain further insight on treatment options for a possible eating disorder. Here are 4 free screening resources we recommend you use before making a referral for a higher level of care. EDE-Q (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire) : helps assess eating attitudes and behaviors. Nine Item Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake disorder screen (NIAS) : helps to assess the signs of ARFID in children. Eat 26 Screening Tool : a screening measure to help you determine attitudes towards food and eating. BEDS-7 (Binge Eating Disorder Screener) : for situations where binge eating is suspected. When possible, gathering input from parents, teachers, or coaches can also help, as teens may minimize their experiences out of fear or shame. The Role of Primary Care and Pediatric Providers Routine checkups are often where eating disorders first come to light. Providers treating children, teen, and adolescents can: Incorporate simple questions about eating habits and body image into wellness visits. Track growth charts and weight trends while pairing them with questions about mood, anxiety, and behavior. Foster trust by creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where adolescents feel comfortable sharing sensitive information and know there will be no weight stigma. Coordinating Multidisciplinary Care Supporting a young person with an eating disorder works best when care is collaborative . In order to treat the whole person, there are usually multiple members of a treatment team needed, including: Medical support: monitoring vital signs, lab work, and physical health. Therapeutic care: evidence-based approaches such as family-based therapy (FBT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help address thoughts and behaviors. Nutritional guidance: dietitians provide education, meal support, and reassurance. Family involvement: engaging caregivers empowers them to support recovery in everyday life. Addressing Barriers and Stigma Many families face challenges in seeking help, whether due to stigma, lack of awareness, or limited access to specialists. To help, providers can: Normalize conversations about body image and mental health as part of overall well-being. Use culturally sensitive approaches that honor diverse experiences with food, body, and health. Connect families to community organizations, online resources, or telehealth when in-person specialty care is limited. Eating disorders in adolescents are serious, but with early recognition and timely support, recovery is possible. Providers are often the first to notice changes and can play a vital role in opening doors to crucial support. By blending professional expertise with empathy and collaboration, providers can guide adolescents and their families toward lasting recovery and a healthier future. References National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Eating Disorders . Treasure, J., & Russell, G. (2011). The case for early intervention in anorexia nervosa: theoretical exploration of maintaining factors. The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science, 199(1) , 5–7.
