Back to School

Support Schools, Empower Students

At a glance

  • Schools play a role in providing students with health education and access to health services.
  • Families and schools can help students connect and succeed.
  • Use these social media posts and graphics to promote student health and safety as they head back to school.
  • Tag @CDC_DASH on X and use #BacktoSchool!
Diverse high school students talking in a school hallway with text overlay reading, "support schools, empower students."

Back to school

Start the school year off strong! Schools can provide a safe and supportive environment. This helps students feel connected and is critical to helping them mentally, physically, and academically. Learn more about what works. https://bit.ly/4faRaKL #BackToSchool

Mental health

Building connections with young people can help protect their mental health. A sense of belonging can make a big difference. Learn more about youth mental health and the power of connectedness. #BackToSchool https://bit.ly/4bPTrIn

School connectedness

Helping students feel connected to school is a powerful tool for supporting their health and well-being. Learn about other benefits of school connectedness this #BackToSchool season. https://bit.ly/3zW9FlJ

Family connectedness

Families, having regular conversations with teens about their health concerns, including mental health, can help reduce their risk behaviors and experiences.
https://bit.ly/3zJxdKG #BackToSchool

Family involvement

Be a champion for your child and make a plan to get involved this school year! Explore ideas that fit your schedule and unique talents. https://bit.ly/3W79b3F #BackToSchool

What Works in Schools

CDC’s #WhatWorksInSchools program is a school-based approach to protect adolescent health. It combines three proven strategies:

  • Quality health education.
  • Referrals to health services.
  • Safe and supportive school environments.

https://bit.ly/4faRaKL #BackToSchool

School meals

As families and students prepare for #BackToSchool, schools can encourage participation in school breakfast programs:

  • Share the benefits of breakfast programs at open house night.
  • Use breakfast models that fit within existing school schedules.
  • Get input from students and parents about the food they would like offered.

More ideas: https://bit.ly/3WbUBrR

Local wellness policies

#BackToSchool season is a great time to review local school wellness policies. Make sure they support the needs of students, staff, and families. Get started with CDC's Wellness Policy in Action Tool. https://bit.ly/3W4PJ7T

Sleep and healthy habits

A good night's sleep is linked to better mental health and learning for students. As #summer break comes to an end, learn how parents can help their children settle back into a healthy sleep routine. https://bit.ly/3y2yImI #BackToSchool

Physical activity

Teachers, as you prepare to head #BackToSchool, discover ideas and tips for creating a classroom that supports physical activity. For instance, you can use movement as a reward for appropriate classroom behavior. https://bit.ly/3zMnG5y

Classroom management

Teachers and other school staff can strengthen school connectedness by using positive behavior management in the classroom. Learn about classroom management approaches that work. https://bit.ly/3LuAErg #BackToSchool

School nurses

School nurses are working hard this #BackToSchool season to promote a healthy and safe environment. Learn more about their role. https://bit.ly/46SCHiC

School preparedness

The new school year is here! Helping prevent the spread of infectious diseases is one of the many important roles schools play in ensuring #SchoolPreparedness. Learn about how schools can create a healthy and prepared school environment: https://bit.ly/3OWdM5d