Remote Instruction Adversely Impacts Parental Mental Health, Less Among Homeschoolers
28 Pages Posted: 10 Jan 2022 Last revised: 9 Dec 2024
Date Written: January 5, 2022
Abstract
This study explores the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic-induced shift to remote instruction on parental mental health, using data from the American Enterprise Institute's Return-to-Learn tracker and the U.S. Census Pulse Survey. We exploit within-state variation in the timing of school closures from August 2020 to June 2021, providing a comprehensive control for demographic and state-level factors, finding that an increase in the proportion of remote instruction districts correlates with an escalation in parental mental health issues, including heightened anxiety, worry, depression, and a loss of interest in activities. These adverse effects are significantly lessened among parents who choose homeschooling. A one percentage point increase in the share of remote instruction in the state is associated with a 2.2 percentage point rise in homeschooling probability. Our paper contributes to understanding the wider impact of pandemic-induced educational changes, highlighting substantial mental health implications for parents. Taking stock of lessons learned over the Covid-19 pandemic, these findings are pivotal for shaping informed educational policies that consider the well-being of the whole family during crises.
Note:
Funding: No funding received for the paper.
Declaration of Interests: We, the authors, declare that there is no conflict of interest.
Keywords: COVID-19, Homeschooling, Hybrid and Remote Instruction, Unions, School Closures
JEL Classification: J13, J21, J22, H75
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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- Citations
- Citation Indexes: 3
- Usage
- Abstract Views: 4136
- Downloads: 494
- Captures
- Readers: 4
- Mentions
- News Mentions: 4