When it comes to Michigan Democrats and another one of their not-so great ideas – granting students five “mental health days per year” – you have to wonder if they need mental help themselves.
The proposed legislation by Michigan senators and representatives, SB 29 and HB 4389, are a godsend for every student who finds algebra a bit too taxing and would rather Netflix and chill… with themselves.
Sure, mental health is important. But does anyone really believe that giving kids a free pass to ditch school will solve their problems? It’s almost like lawmakers think that if you just ignore the problem and let the kids sleep in a couple of days, it’ll magically disappear – like when you hide from your problems under a blanket.
And don’t forget: the Dems didn’t give a crap (or even half of a crap) about the kids during Covid when they locked them up at home not letting them go to school, participate in sports or hang out with their friends with their draconian rules.
What’s better for mental health than missing school?”
Let’s break this down. One parent, Deborah Corkins, is all for it, mainly because it would help her autistic and epileptic children. Fair point. But let’s be real – this bill isn’t just for kids with serious conditions; it’s for every student who decides they’ve had enough of school for the day.
Feeling a little tired? Got a tough quiz? Fight with the boyfriend? Can’t find a cool outfit to wear? No worries, take a “me day.”
Psychologist Dr. Daniel Dulin supports the idea too, but even he warns that routine is crucial, especially for those struggling with depression or anxiety. He also points out that for a depressed kid, having more time on their hands might actually be counterproductive to their condition.
And Dr. Eric Herman, a clinical psychologist with Detroit Children’s Hospital of Michigan, doesn’t like the idea at all. He told Fox 2 Detroit, “I think it’s not a good thing. I think it sent the wrong message to our kids about how to deal with everyday ups and downs. Looking at this new proposed law, I don’t think it would answer the problem. I think it would end up making things worse.”
But wait, isn’t this just legalized skipping?”
We can’t ignore the obvious. Five mental health days a year might just turn into five mental health “Netflix marathons” for students who’d rather not deal with the stress of, you know, learning.
At the end of the day, this bill might help some, but it’s also a free ticket to irresponsibility for others. And who’s going to monitor how these days are used? No one – because a doctor’s note isn’t needed for the days off.
In short, while this proposal might have good intentions, it’s misguided in the assumption that kids can self-regulate their mental health like seasoned therapists. Spoiler alert: they can’t. So, Michigan Democrats, maybe focus on something that will actually help students succeed – like better education funding – rather than giving them an easy out.
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Both bills have been sent to the Committee on Education, where they’ve been comfortably napping for a while. But hey, that’s actually a relief – after all, not every snowflake in school deserves to be pampered just because they’re having a rough day.
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