Back-to-School 2021: Helping Students Thrive
Find resources and sample social media posts to promote helping students thrive as they head back to school.

Students need our support as they return to school. We must work together to provide critical support to help them thrive and become healthy, resilient adults.
Back to School Time!
Schools play a critical role in providing students with health education, helping students feel connected, and referring students to mental and physical health services.
This year, many adolescents will return to school after prolonged closures. It’s important they feel safe and supported as the school year kicks off.
DASH is building on decades of experience to support schools and teachers as they help students thrive as they return to school.
Additional Resources

Spread the Word
- Use these sample social media posts to promote the health and safety of youth in schools as students head back to school.
- Tag @CDC_DASH on Twitter and use the #BacktoSchool hashtag!
- Find DASH social media graphics on adolescent connectedness, school health, and more on our Infographics page.
Social Media Messages & Images
Back to School (Students)
We must work together to support students as they head #BacktoSchool. Providing a safe and supportive environment and helping students feel connected are critical to helping them thrive mentally, physically, and academically. Learn more about what works: https://go.usa.gov/xFx6q
Download Graphics:
Social Media Graphic – Square [1080×1080]
Social Media Graphic – Rectangle [1200×675]
Twitter Cover Image [1500×500]
Pinterest Image [1000×1500]
Email Image [500×500]
Back to School (Teachers)
Teachers and school staff play a critical role in promoting adolescent health. Providing sexual health education, connecting students to health services, and creating safe and supportive environments will help students thrive as they head #BacktoSchool. https://go.usa.gov/xFx6q
Download Graphics:
Social Media Graphic – Square [1080×1080]
Social Media Graphic – Rectangle [1200×675]
Adolescent Health: What Works In Schools
What works in schools? As students head #BacktoSchool, check out these strategies for preventing adolescent health risks: https://go.usa.gov/xFx6q.
Download Graphics:
Schools Provide More Than Education
As students head #BacktoSchool, it’s important to remember schools provide more than education. They give youth a sense of belonging, which is critical to protecting their #MentalHealth. https://go.usa.gov/xFx6r
Download Graphics:
Youth Mental Health
Everyone benefits when schools support the #MentalHealth of their staff and train them to promote a safe and supportive environment for students. Learn more about what works as students head #BacktoSchool: https://go.usa.gov/xFx6g
Download Graphics:
Adolescent Connectedness
When students know teachers and school staff care about them, they’re less likely to do things that put them at risk for HIV, STDs, and unplanned pregnancy. Feeling connected and supported at school also helps protects their mental health. #BacktoSchool https://go.usa.gov/xFx6D
Download Graphics:
LGBTQ Inclusivity in Schools: A Self-Assessment Tool
More Information
- Adolescent connectedness
- COVID-19: Community, Work, and School
- How Schools Can Support COVID-19 Vaccination
- School Health Data
- Student Health Services
- Student Mental Health
- Supporting LGBTQ Youth
- Department of Education handbooks
- ED COVID-19 Handbook Volume 1: Strategies for Safely Reopening Elementary and Secondary Schools
- ED COVID-19 Handbook Volume 2: Roadmap to Reopening Safely and Meeting All Students’ Needs
- ED COVID-19 Handbook Volume 3: Strategies for Safe Operation and Addressing the Impact of COVID-19 on Higher Education Students, Faculty, and Staff