Remote instruction adversely impacts parental mental health, less among homeschoolers.

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, controlling flexibly for demographic and state-level factors. We find 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 w

SUBMITTER: Makridis CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11825653 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature