As Alice Cooper says in his 1972 hit, school’s out for summer! For many children, this is the most anticipated time of the year — no early mornings, no homework, and no teachers telling them what to do. But for others, the summer break can be one of the most challenging periods, with significant impacts on children’s mental health and emotional well-being.
How Long Are Summer Holidays Around the World?
The length of summer holidays varies by country and region:
- Australia: ~6 weeks
- United States: 10–11 weeks
- Africa: ~6 weeks to 3 months
- Asia: ~6 weeks to 3 months
- Europe: 5 weeks to 3.5 months
For children, this can feel like an eternity without the structure, social interaction, and support they receive during the school year.
The Impact of Long School Breaks on Children’s Mental Health
Loss of Support Networks
During term time, many children have daily access to teachers, school counselors, and mental health professionals who provide guidance and emotional support. Over the summer, these resources may disappear entirely — especially for children from low-income families who may lack access to private counseling or structured mental health resources. This gap can lead to setbacks, meaning that when school resumes, children often have to rebuild from scratch. This can cause frustration, anxiety, and in some cases, a decline in overall well-being.
Lack of Routine and Structure
While some children thrive with freedom, others experience heightened anxiety without a daily schedule. The Structured Days Hypothesis, developed by Keith Brazendale, Michael Beets, and R. Glenn Weaver, explains that structured school days help children maintain healthier behaviors. Without a routine, children may struggle to maintain healthy sleep patterns, eating habits, and emotional stability.
Click here to read more on The Structured Days Hypothesis.
Reduced Social Interaction
Friendships formed at school play a crucial role in children’s self-esteem and social development. During summer, limited peer interaction can trigger feelings of loneliness and isolation. Children may also worry about whether their friendships will continue after the break, adding to their anxiety.
The “Summer Slide” in Learning
Extended breaks often result in the “Summer Slide” — a loss of academic skills, especially in reading and math. Many children spend their time on smartphones rather than engaging in educational activities. This leads to a reduction in their motivation and confidence when they return to school, as they may be embarrassed that their peers are now ahead of them and could start to act out in class.
Financial and Nutritional Challenges for Low-Income Families
Summer can be especially difficult for low-income households, where parents may struggle to afford the likes of summer programs, childcare, or even nutritious meals their children would normally receive at school. This lack of stimulation and security can negatively affect children’s emotional health and development. If a child notices their parent’s are also under more stress this could have an impact on their emotions as well.
A Digital Solution for Children’s Mental Health: Calm Quest
At Acute XR, we developed Calm Quest, a VR-based relaxation and emotional regulation game designed to help children manage anxiety in a safe, engaging, and supportive way.
Using biofeedback technology, Calm Quest turns a child’s heart rate into the game’s controller. Players shape their in-game environments using their emotions, and progress by increasing their Heart Rate Variability through slow, paced breathing. Sessions are guided by a therapist, ensuring that children gain not just relaxation skills, but a deeper understanding of their emotional patterns. These are skills they would be able to develop further themselves as they get older and enter adulthood. With their new knowledge children may even share their skills with their friends to help them with their mental health.
More on What We Do.