Illinois Signs New Bill Into Law Allowing Students to Take Up to Five Days Out of School for Mental Health

A new law in Illinois will allow students to take five days out of school for their mental health.

Last month, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed off on a bill that allows students – ages 6 to 17 – to take five days off from school for their mental health. And they don’t need a doctor’s note.

“Many students feel stressed and have developed anxiety and depression because they’re not able to see teachers and friends and may have lower grades due to remote learning. This will allow them to get the help they need,” said State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, one of the bill’s sponsors.

The bill’s signing comes after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a study last fall that showed children’s visits to the emergency room over their mental rose by 24 percent for kids ages 5 and 11 and 31 percent for children 12 to 17 years of age.

The Illinois bill also states children who take more than two mental health days should be referred to support programs.

“As society continues to increase the importance of addressing mental health as a part of health care, we must ensure that our students have the ability to address issues they are dealing with, “State Sen. Robert Martwick in a statement, following the bill’s signing. “This bill removes the stigma and allows students to prioritize their mental health and stability.”