Persuasive Essay: Should Schools Need A Makeover?

Today’s youth are faced with many challenges throughout high school, but one of these, in particular, is stress. I know from personal experience, as well as the testimony of many of my friends and acquaintances, that school is a large contributor to adolescent and young adult anxiety and depression. The pressures of being academically successful, maintaining a healthy social life, and properly caring for one’s body are difficult to manage all at once. This can leave students feeling hopeless, abandoned, or simply exhausted and unable to function at 100% on a daily basis. This is why I believe the school system needs a makeover, and soon. Whether it’s everyday or a few times throughout the week, schools should allow students to attend a mental health break session, where they have
Some students don’t have a peaceful home life; whether it’s family issues, an overload of homework, or extracurricular activities, many teens never set aside any time to slow down for a while. Lunch can also be hectic, because while it’s supposed to be a break, often it’s filled with social interaction, homework, and eating. This would be a separate timeslot in a student’s day where they can reflect on how their life is going, seek counsel or guidance, or just peacefully listen to music. There is the potential that students would abuse this time, and only use it to avoid schoolwork. However, I feel that many students would take advantage of this time in a healthy way, and would benefit immensely from it. The next, and final issue I’d like to discuss is underage drinking and drug use. I’ve noticed the issue of drugs and alcohol show up in my friend group over the last couple years. It started with one friend losing a bet to another friend, and then owing him a pot brownie. Now when I go over to hang out, some of my friends will borrow their parents’ Corona just because,”it’s