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Remote Instruction and Student Mental Health: Swedish Evidence from the Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Evelina Björkegren
  • Helena Svaleryd
  • Jonas Vlachos

Abstract

When COVID-19 reached Sweden, upper-secondary students (ages 17–19) transitioned to remote instruction, while lower-secondary schools (ages 14–16) remained open. We use this setting as a natural experiment to analyze how modes of instruction affect student mental health. We find a 4.4 percent decrease in mental health care use from remote instruction, primarily due to fewer diagnoses and prescriptions for depression and anxiety. The reduction persists throughout the study period; 21 months after the initial closure and 9 months after schools resumed usual operations. This suggests potential mental health benefits from remote instruction, at least in the medium term.

Suggested Citation

  • Evelina Björkegren & Helena Svaleryd & Jonas Vlachos, 2024. "Remote Instruction and Student Mental Health: Swedish Evidence from the Pandemic," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 16(4), pages 491-517, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejpol:v:16:y:2024:i:4:p:491-517
    DOI: 10.1257/pol.20220699
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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