Beyond Screen Time: The Hidden Cost Of Summer Break For At-Risk Youth
- The White Hatter
- 6 minutes ago
- 5 min read
CAVEAT -As the summer break approaches, we are seeing a growing number of articles focused on helping parents reduce their child’s technology use over the summer break, something that we have written about in the past (1). While there is certainly value in encouraging a healthy balance between online and offline activities during the summer break, we believe there is a much larger issue that deserves greater attention. For many at-risk youth and teens, school is more than a place of learning, it provides routine, connection, support, safety, and predictability. When those protective factors disappear for two months, the risks facing some young people can increase significantly. Rather than focusing solely on screen time, we should also be asking what happens when the structure that helps keep vulnerable youth balanced suddenly disappears, thus the reason for this article!
For many young people, summer break is a time of excitement, freedom, and opportunity. The structure of school disappears, routines relax, they get to stay up later and sleep in later, and families look forward to vacations, camps, and time together. However, for some at-risk youth, the end of the school year can represent the loss of one of the most important stabilizing influences in their lives.
While schools are often viewed primarily as places of learning, they also provide something equally important, consistency. For many vulnerable youth, school offers predictable routines, supportive relationships with trusted adults, access to meals, mental health supports, social connections, extracurricular activities, and a safe environment for much of the day. When that structure suddenly disappears for two months, the effects can be significant. We visited one inner city school that provided laundry facilities and meals, even during the summer break months, for students and their parent or caregiver, given the socio-economic challenges that many in their community faced.
Canadian research supports this concern. The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study in Canada has repeatedly highlighted the importance of school relationships, school climate, and school connectedness to youth well-being (2). For vulnerable youth, school can also improve access to mental health supports that may be harder to reach outside the school year. Canadian food security policy also recognizes that school food programs support health and learning, especially for students living in food-insecure households (3). When summer break removes these structures, some young people lose more than academics. They may also lose routine, meals, connection, and trusted adults.
Research consistently shows that feeling connected to school is one of the strongest protective factors in a young person’s life (4). Youth who feel connected to their school are less likely to experience poor mental health, substance use, violence, and other high-risk behaviours. They are also more likely to engage in healthy behaviours and achieve positive educational outcomes.
Much like the Canadian research, the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified school connectedness as a key protective factor for adolescent health and well-being (5). Simply put, when youth believe that adults and peers at school care about them, they tend to do better emotionally, socially, and academically.
For youth facing challenges at home, those relationships can become especially important. A supportive teacher, coach, educational assistant, counsellor, or school administrator may be one of the few consistent adults they interact with regularly.
Many young people thrive on routine, even if they occasionally complain about it. During the school year, there are established wake-up times, class schedules, lunch periods, extracurricular activities, and predictable expectations. Summer often removes those anchors. For youth who are already struggling with anxiety, depression, attention difficulties, family instability, or adverse childhood experiences, the sudden loss of structure can increase feelings of isolation, uncertainty, and stress. Research examining school connectedness and youth mental health has repeatedly found that strong connections to school act as a protective buffer against the impacts of adversity and mental health challenges (6). This does not mean that summer itself causes mental health difficulties, rather, it means that some youth lose access to supports that help them manage existing challenges.
As mentioned earlier, for many families, schools provide more than education, they also provide reliable access to nutritious meals. Research has shown that food insecurity often increases during the summer months when school meal programs are unavailable. Families who already face financial pressures may experience additional strain as grocery costs rise while children are home throughout the day . Several studies have found that summer meal programs can help reduce severe food insecurity among low-income households with children (7). For some youth, losing access to consistent nutrition can affect not only physical health but also emotional well-being, concentration, and overall functioning.
School is also one of the primary places where young people build and maintain social relationships. While many youth stay connected through technology, not all do. Some students lose daily contact with supportive friends, mentors, coaches, and trusted adults during the summer months. Research shows that connectedness, whether to family, school, peers, or community, is associated with lower rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and behavioural difficulties (8). For youth who already feel isolated, disconnected, or marginalized, summer can amplify feelings of loneliness. For some, technology becomes an important tool for maintaining friendships with peers who do not live nearby or who they would otherwise rarely have the opportunity to see in person.
Summer can also magnify existing inequities. Families with financial resources may be able to access camps, sports programs, tutoring, travel opportunities, and enrichment activities. Families facing economic challenges often have fewer options available. Some research on summer learning and enrichment opportunities has found that students from lower-income households are more likely to experience educational setbacks during extended breaks and have less access to structured summer activities (9). While the concept of “summer learning loss” is more nuanced than it was once believed to be (10), researchers continue to find that disparities in access to enrichment opportunities can contribute to widening achievement gaps over time.
The goal is not to recreate school during the summer, rather, it is to recognize that some youth benefit greatly from maintaining elements of structure, connection, and purpose. Simple strategies can make a meaningful difference which can include:
Maintain reasonably consistent sleep and wake schedules.
Encourage participation in community activities, sports, arts, volunteering, or summer programs.
Help youth maintain positive peer connections.
Stay connected with trusted mentors, coaches, or supportive adults.
Create opportunities for family meals and conversations.
Monitor for significant changes in mood, behaviour, or withdrawal.
Connect with local organizations that offer food, recreation, and youth support services when needed.
Research examining summer holiday programs has found that structured summer activities can provide valuable environments that support mental health and well-being when the usual structures of school are unavailable.
For many youth, summer is a season of fun, exploration, and growth. However, for some vulnerable young people, it can also be a period where important supports disappear.
As parents, caregivers, educators, and community members, recognizing this reality allows us to better support those who may need a little extra connection during the summer months. Sometimes, the most important thing we can provide is not another program or activity, it’s ensuring that a young person knows there is still someone who cares, notices, and remains present even when the school doors close for the season. Remember, for many at risk youth, school is more than a building, it’s often a lifeline.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
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