As students return to school, parents are wondering if their children should be given mental health leave.

A bill currently on the Senate Education Committee could make that happen.

Levittown’s Karen Buttner says her 18-year-old son, Kyle, has schizophrenia. She says it would be a great idea for New York to start accepting mental health leave as a valid reason for missing school.

“We all feel insecure at times. It’s about learning how to control our thoughts and what’s going on inside us and not being ashamed of our emotions,” says Buttner. increase.

Some psychiatrists say some students are still dealing with returning to classrooms and the ongoing stress of the pandemic.

Dr. Liat Jarkson of NYIT’s Center for Behavioral Health says Mental Health Day should not be abused, but it can be regulated by parameters between students, parents and schools.

Twelve states have already enacted laws allowing students to have up to five mental health days. New York State is not one of those states, but some students are hoping they will soon have the opportunity to de-stress for a few days.

“Personally, I’m a senior in high school. A lot of things are already stressing me out…” says Emerson Lecatult, a senior at Floral Park Memorial High School. “It’s a stressful time and just knowing you have this opportunity makes you feel safer and more understood.”

If passed, the bill could come into effect in September 2023.