Using reading and digital detox to promote social and emotional health

The escalating mental health crisis among children and adolescents in the United States has been intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, but its roots trace back to longstanding systemic challenges. Schools, as consistent environments in young people's lives, are uniquely positioned to offer supportive, preventive strategies that address the rising incidence of anxiety, depression, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). This paper examines two practical, low-cost interventions, reading and digital detox, as complementary tools to support the mental, emotional, and behavioral (MEB) health of students within school settings. A review of current literature highlights the cognitive, emotional, and physiological benefits of reading, demonstrating its capacity to reduce stress, build empathy, enhance emotional resilience, and improve academic performance. Concurrently, the paper explores the adverse effects of excessive technology use, including digital overload, screen addiction, and diminished social interaction, while presenting evidence-based strategies for promoting balanced digital engagement through digital detox practices and mindful technology use. Together, these interventions offer actionable, accessible pathways for educators to foster student well-being, mitigate the effects of environmental and digital stressors, and cultivate healthier, more resilient school communities. The paper concludes by recommending integrated approaches that embed both reading initiatives and digital wellness education into school culture to sustainably support students' mental health in an increasingly complex, hyperconnected world.