With over 7 million students learning remotely in the US alone, and more than half of college students having taken at least one online course, remote learning has become a significant part of the educational landscape[1]. The rapid rise of online education due to the COVID-19 pandemic has left many wondering: how does this learning environment shift impact students’ mental health?
While online learning offers flexibility and convenience, research suggests it can also have negative consequences, particularly for children and teens.
In this article, we’ll explore strategies for mitigating the potential drawbacks of remote learning for mental well-being.
How does online learning affect mental health?
Because online learning is a relatively new phenomenon, we still need more research studies to determine, with certainty, how it affects mental health. From the studies conducted so far, we know it can have harmful effects, especially for children and teens.
Here are some of the ways remote learning can negatively impact mental health.
Social isolation
One of the primary effects of the switch to remote learning was increased social isolation. In various studies, students across multiple countries, including the United States, China, Denmark, Peru, and more, reported less interaction with peers and greater feelings of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was likely caused by social distancing measures in general, but most young people experienced social distancing primarily through school closures (remote learning)[2].
We may be able to get the same educational information online as in person, but school serves a purpose much greater than academic knowledge. School is like a workplace; it’s a place where we go to connect with other people. It’s especially important for children to have a community of peers while they’re developing. Often, school is the only place where children have access to this community. Remote learning simply doesn’t offer the same level of connection.
Increased depression and anxiety
Research has shown students who engage in remote learning are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. One meta-analysis found 50% of remote learners experienced depression during the pandemic and 58% experienced anxiety[3]. However, the pandemic affected mental health through many avenues, not just remote learning, so it’s difficult to say whether this increase was caused by remote learning alone.
However, other studies have also shown remote learning is linked to depression, regardless of the pandemic.
Depression and remote learning may also get locked in a vicious cycle. Engaging in remote learning makes people more isolated, which can contribute to feelings of depression. However, people who are severely depressed may start to feel like online learning is their only option, leading them to become more and more isolated, further worsening their depression symptoms.
Reduced motivation
Online learning can also reduce motivation. Without the accountability of an in-person instructor, it may be more difficult to stay on top of academic tasks. Adults engaged in online learning may lose hope that receiving an education would improve their lives.
If you also live with depression, then this lack of motivation and apathy can become even worse. Depression may cause you to lose interest in activities, and without face-to-face contact, it becomes too easy to start feeling apathetic about school as well.
Lack of resources
People, especially children, who are engaged in remote learning may also face a lack of mental health resources due to not going to a physical school. Schools serve as a type of community center in many societies where children can get assessed for and receive mental health services.
Although children may be assigned an instructor through remote learning, these adults may not be able to pick up on mental health concerns when they’re only connected to students through the screen.
This disconnect from the resources typically available in schools can make mental health problems worse.
Absence of routine
Many online schooling programs are set up so you can complete courses in your own time. This may even be what drew you to online learning, and can be a huge benefit for those who have other time commitments.
However, many online students find it’s challenging to maintain good mental health without a daily routine. Traditional schooling forces us to be at a certain place at a certain time every day. While this may be annoying at times, it also provides the foundation of a daily routine that can help us stick to healthy habits.
The lack of routine many online learners face can start to damage their mental health. Research shows a daily routine is important for everyone, but especially for those who live with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Without the routine that traditional school brings, online students may have a more difficult time staying motivated and accountable to healthy habits that protect their mental health.
Are there any benefits to online learning?
Although online learning can negatively impact mental health for many, it isn’t without advantages. Here are some potential benefits of remote learning to consider:
Flexibility: Remote learning offers a flexible schedule, allowing students to learn at their own pace and around other commitments. This can be especially helpful for those with busy work schedules or family responsibilities.
Reduced commute time: No more traffic jams or crowded buses! Remote learning eliminates commute times, freeing up valuable time for studying, socializing, or simply sleeping in.
Personalized learning: Some online programs offer a more personalized learning experience, with students able to focus on areas needing improvement and revisit topics they find challenging.
Location independence: Remote learning allows you to study from anywhere with an internet connection. This can be a major perk for those who travel frequently or live in remote areas.
How to protect your mental health while enrolled in remote learning
If you or a loved one is engaged in remote learning for whatever reason, it’s important to take action to protect your mental health. It’s possible remote learning is the right option for you and your lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean remote learning won’t start affecting your mental health if you’re not mindful about it.
Here are some things to keep in mind when engaging in remote learning to help guard your mental health.
Stay connected
One of the most powerful ways remote learning impacts mental health is through social isolation. Not having a student community to connect with face-to-face can lead to feelings of loneliness. This is especially true if you are a full-time student and don’t have a job where you can get your social needs met.
Protect yourself against loneliness and social isolation by being intentional about building a strong social support network. It’s important to realize those who go to school in person may have an automatic peer group they can connect with simply by attending classes. Unfortunately, remote students don’t have that convenience.
This means you will have to take active steps to connect with peers and loved ones. Consider joining an in-person study group even if you’re attending virtual classes. Look up local interest groups or meetups in the student community. It takes a bit of bravery to take these steps, but you’ll likely find other remote students at your school are grateful for opportunities to connect with others in person.
Build a routine
Even if your online schooling program doesn’t require you to complete classes at any set time, it’s still a good idea to try to stick to a daily routine as much as possible. Routines can bring a sense of predictability and calm to your life, and can also make it easier to stick to healthy habits.
For example, try waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Schedule time blocks for when you will complete your classes and schoolwork. Make sure you schedule in some breaks as well; it’s important to rest your eyes and make sure you’re eating well.
Move your body
Especially if being a remote learner is your primary occupation, you might find yourself falling into a sedentary lifestyle. This is trap happens to many online students; you spend a lot of your time in front of a screen, quitting your schoolwork without even having to commute between classes. Although this is one of the benefits of remote learning, sedentary lifestyles are also connected with various health problems, including weight gain, heart problems, and more.
Make sure you’re taking time to intentionally move your body in ways that feel good to you. You don’t need to join a gym unless you want to; simply making sure to take walks around the block every hour or buying a standing desk are good first steps. On top of the physical health benefits, physical activity has also been linked to better mental health, including improved mood and decreased risk for mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
Stick to your treatment plan
If you live with a chronic condition, then it’s important to stick to a treatment plan whether or not you go to school online or in person. Most schools, including K-12 schools, colleges, and universities, have mental health services available for students. Ask an advisor about how to connect with the campus Counseling Center or Health Center.
But if you’re an online student, you may need to make a more intentional effort to continue with your treatment plan when you’re not on campus regularly. Check in with your treatment provider, take medications as prescribed, and continue going to therapy.
Mental health support for students in Washington State
At The Center • A Place of HOPE, we deeply understand the serious impacts school-related stress can have on your life. Mental health doesn’t happen in a vacuum; as research shows, online learning can have a significant effect. Our clinical team can teach you new skills to cope with the effects of remote learning, and make sure every aspect of your health and well-being is taken care of with our proven Whole Person Care approach.
Get in touch with us for more information about admissions.
1 – https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/online-colleges/online-learning-stats/
2 – https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-16040-9
3 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9871576/
