Are cyber schools contributing to the mental health crisis? Some Pa. educators fear so

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — Lawmakers and educators have pushed for reform to the funding formula for cyber charter education, but now local teachers and superintendents believe there’s more than just a high price tag potentially hurting students.

At a community forum at the University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Wednesday, a panel of local educators took on questions about what needs to change for cyber charter education to be more affordable for school districts and more beneficial for students.

Many of the panel members said they are seeing an increase in mental health concerns in their student body and said the rising cost of cyber charter education is preventing them from bringing in more resources to address those needs, as they’re often left making hard decisions about where to spend limited funding. But they also expressed concerns for the students enrolled in cyber programs who may not have access to mental health support.

“We see a lot of trends going throughout the Commonwealth, as well as a country with heightened levels of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation. I think we have to really address that and look at it. So I have great concern for students, and I think it’s something that is left unchecked, can be devastating to a family and to a community.,” said Michael Vuckovich, Superintendent of Windber Area School District.

“We’re social creatures, right? We want to engage with each other, and we want to have relationships. The more screen time our children are having, we’re seeing a bigger impact on their inability to develop, develop those positive and healthy relationships,” said Dr. Amy Arcurio, Superintendent of Greater Johnstown School District.

Some of the panel members acknowledged students often move to cyber education after being bullied, but said that could do more harm to a student’s confidence long-term by preventing them from learning how to overcome challenges and navigate social interactions that make them uncomfortable.