Health and Wellness

From Jeffco Healthy Schools

The Association Between Screen Time and Mental Health

Studies have found an association between excessive screen time and various mental health issues. Research suggests that prolonged screen exposure, especially in children and adolescents, can contribute to issues like anxiety, depression and attention difficulties. Not all screen time is harmful. Balanced and mindful screen usage, coupled with regular breaks and offline activities, can help mitigate potential negative effects on mental well-being.

Below are some ideas for families interested in learning more about the impacts of screen time and ideas for decreasing screen usage.

Screen-Free Week is a time to take a break from entertainment screens and experience more peace, connection and fun. Learn more and access resources HERE. Screen-Free Week can be celebrated anytime!
Learn how much time is too much, get tips on how to unplug and much more in the Healthy Habits for Families: Screen Time and Technology. Spanish

Planet Fitness - High School Summer Pass

Support teens with getting fit, staying active and having fun this summer with a free gym pass. Planet fitness is offering a free pass for teens ages 14-19 all summer! Register online or in a planet fitness club beginning May 13th. Learn more HERE.

Healthy Habits for Families: Nutrition

People's relationships with food, either healthy or unhealthy, often have their roots in childhood. Constant exposure to low-nutrient foods makes it difficult for children to learn how to make healthy food choices. By providing students with nutritious choices wherever food is available, schools positively influence children’s eating habits. Support your students and families in making healthy food choices with these resources. Introduce students to healthy eating by reading them a book related to nutrition: Nutrition Book List, Spanish Version

Twelve Talks to Have with Teens - Talk With Your Teen About Dating

The most important boundaries related to teen dating are the ones your teen has for themselves about what they do and don't expect from a partner. Talk to your teen about creating healthy and safe relationships, whether or not they are involved with a significant other. Learn more about talking with your teen HERE.

Twelve Talks to Have with Teens - Mental Health

Mental health is a state of well-being in our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Teens, like all people, have good days and bad days. Everyone experiences challenges. Stress, anxiety, distressing experiences, chemical imbalances, genetics, and our environment can all sometimes create challenges to positive mental health.

Some key elements to healthy coping include: making time to unwind, taking care of your body, connecting with others, and finding ways to calm stress and anxiety. Watch this short video to learn about common danger signs when teens are suffering with serious depression and mental health issues including suicidal ideation.

Download a short tip sheet about healthy coping for teens here.

Healthy Testing Tips

Families and school staff can bolster test scores by encouraging healthy practices for students. Learn more about how to keep students feeling physically and mentally healthy.

Healthy Testing Tips and Facts