From pets to 'recess': High school stress relief - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

From pets to 'recess': High school stress relief

Posted: Updated:
MT. PROSPECT, Ill. -

Stress, anxiety and panic attacks are on the rise at many U.S. high schools, due to heightened academic expectations and troubles at home made worse by the shaky economy.

So some schools are trying unconventional methods to help students cope. Those methods include homework-free nights and the teenage equivalent of "recess" at a small but growing number of schools across the country.

At Prospect High School in suburban Chicago, counselors are using a "therapy dog," an 18-month-old golden retriever named Junie.

The staff there says Junie helps lighten the mood and, in more severe cases, aids them in calming students who are having panic attacks. Guidance counselor Lynn Thornton says they're seeing more students who are having to be hospitalized because of anxiety and depression.

OUR GOOD DAY HOT TOPIC QUESTION:  Are kids today coping with legitimate stress, orcopping out? Post your comments on our FOX 5 Atlanta Facebook page, or tweet us @GoodDayAtlanta.  We'll read some of your comments on the air during Good Day Atlanta.

  • Good Day Archive

  • Monday, May 20 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-20 15:00:34 GMT
    When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water. 
    When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water.  But before summer gets into full swing, we've got some tips to help you make sure your children stay safe at the pool.
  • Meet the Good Day Pets for Monday, May 20!
    Meet the Good Day Pets for Monday, May 20!
  • Monday, May 20 2013 9:52 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:52:30 GMT
    The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier.
    The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier.  TMZ's Harvey Levin filled us in on the latest on Good Day!
Powered by WorldNow

KTTV FOX 11
1999 S. Bundy Dr.
Los Angeles CA 90025

Main: (310) 584-2000
News Tips? (310) 584-2025

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices