Parental Observations Suggest a Connection Between Electric School Buses and Student Mental Health, According to a Survey
Electric school buses might just be more than a green transportation option; they may offer unexpected benefits for students' mental health too.
As per a recent survey by Highland Electric Fleets, a significant number of parents and voters believe that the smooth, noise-free commute in electric school buses could enhance students' emotional and academic success. This trend is particularly noticeable for children with special needs or heightened sensitivities to sensory stimuli.
Two-thirds of the polled parents agreed that alleviating stress factors like diesel fumes and noise during the trip to school can help nurture a more serene environment conducive to focused learning. Around 81% of parents also highlighted the importance of a quieter ride in promoting better mental well-being for their children.
Mental health speaker Ross Szabo voiced concerns about the impact of noisy diesel school buses, stating that their loud engines create a sense of chaos and disrupt the peacefulness too many students deserve during their commute. With electric vehicles, the sound is much softer, making a significant difference for neurodivergent students and those with sensory sensitivities.
Dr. Jeff Ditzell, a New York-based psychiatrist, echoed Szabo's sentiment, stating that a calmer ambiance offered by any mode of transport would foster better emotional regulation in children and young people. In addition, a comfortable journey would help mitigate anxiety levels for students starting their day with a peaceful rather than a hectic mindset.
Elizabeth Bechard from Moms Clean Air Force points out that electric school buses offer numerous advantages to students' well-being, including reduced exposure to hazardous diesel exhaust linked to various mental health problems, from anxiety to impaired cognitive function. This cleaner, quieter, and healthier mode of transportation contributes to a sense of tranquility, benefiting both students and parents alike.
Highland Electric Fleets founder Duncan McIntyre expressed satisfaction with parents' recognition of the positive mental health impact electric school buses can have on students. McIntyre emphasized that their partnership with school districts across the country aims at providing more than just cleaner air – they aim to create a calmer, healthier, and quieter ride for the students.
Electric school buses, with their quieter and cleaner nature, could potentially improve students' health-and-wellness by reducing exposure to hazardous diesel exhaust that's linked to various mental health issues. This transition to electric vehicles would also promote better mental well-being for children by alleviating stress factors such as noise and diesel fumes during the commute. The softer sound of electric school buses, as opposed to noisy diesel ones, would be beneficial for neurodivergent students and those with sensory sensitivities, contributing to a more serene environment conducive to focused learning. Moreover, a calmer ambiance offered by any mode of transport would foster better emotional regulation in children and young people, helping to mitigate anxiety levels and start their day with a peaceful mindset.
