When fear follows students to school
Student receiving support at a school
Wellness Center
Across the United States, many teen students are carrying a burden that extends far beyond homework, tests, and college applications. In immigrant communities, the presence of immigration enforcement has created a climate of fear and uncertainty for students and their families. For some young people, that stress follows them directly into the classroom.
Recent reports from educators and mental health providers show that immigration raids and enforcement actions have deeply affected students’ well-being. A national survey of more than 600 public high school principals found that around 70% of schools reported students from immigrant families expressing fears about their own safety or that of their loved ones, along with increases in absenteeism and reports of bullying.
Across the district, broader societal pressures may also be reflected in enrollment trends. According to the Los Angeles Public Press, the Los Angeles Unified School District saw a 4% dip in enrollment for the 2025–26 school year, with about 16,400 fewer students enrolled than the previous year. The shift highlights how challenges facing families can affect students’ ability to attend and remain engaged in school.
For young students, the worry can be constant. Some lose interest in activities they once enjoyed because the stress consumes their attention and energy. Others take on new responsibilities at home, caring for younger siblings or helping their families navigate changes.
How stress shows up in the classroom
These concerns sometimes show up in ways both obvious and subtle:
Students missing school because families are afraid to leave home
Students and family members avoiding healthcare services
Teens taking on additional responsibilities at home
Youth withdrawing from sports, clubs, or social activities
Increased anxiety, sleep difficulties, and trouble concentrating in class
For adolescents already navigating the pressures of growing up, this added stress can be overwhelming. When students feel unsafe or unsure about their family’s stability, their ability to focus on learning and their sense of belonging at school can be deeply affected.
How The L.A. Trust helps
WYA members creating a culture of care
on campus
School-based support systems are critical during times like these. The L.A. Trust works closely with school-based Wellness Centers and through the Wellness Youth Advocates (WYA) program, supporting students as they navigate stress and unpredictability. WYAs are student leaders who help educate and support their peers, providing a safe point of connection for students facing challenges.
“Students can’t thrive academically if they’re carrying fear and uncertainty with them every day,” said Sarah Rodman, The L.A. Trust Executive Director. “By supporting wellness centers and empowering student leaders through the WYA program, we’re helping young people feel seen, resilient, and able to focus on their future.”
In moments of community stress, whether caused by immigration enforcement, economic instability, or other crises, partnerships like these become even more important. They help students feel supported, reminding them that schools can be places of care as well as learning.
When schools and organizations invest in student wellness, they share and lighten the burden young people are carrying. Together we can give them something every teenager deserves: the chance to focus on being young, learning, and building their future.