MY SCHOOL BANNED ESSAS, LETS TALK ABOUT IT

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT STUFFED ANIMALS

ESSAs for short are any stuffed animal a person brings with them for comfort in schools or crowded places or a plush toy used as a companion and coping tool to provide comfort, reduce stress, and offer sense of security, helping individuals manage anxiety, grief, or any emotional challenges.

These can help people, mainly students but of course we need guidelines for these, but first here is what i will quote from my school newsletter and student opinions.

We have noticed stuffed animals have made their way to [SCHOOL NAME] this year. As bringing stuffed animals may have been acceptable in lower grade levels, [SCHOOL NAME] students must keep the stuffed animals at home. Please feel free to reach out to Mr. ______ if you have questions or concerns.

“I think that reasonable sized stuffed animals and ESSAs should not be banned” - Violet W (7th Grade)

“It’s for emotional support, why get rid of them” - Adella W (7th Grade)

“ i think ESSAs are important for the comfort of students and banning them will do nothing but harm. the ban is unnecessary as they did not take away from school activities.” - Chloe S (7th Grade)

Now that we have student opinions, we should look at what google says for this!

1 - Schools should generally allow emotional support stuffed animals as they offer significant comfort and stress reduction for children and teens.

2 - Schools should allow emotional support stuffed animals because they provide comfort, reduce anxiety, and offer emotional regulation for students, especially during stressful times and transitions

In all of the ESSA Ban, the most important part of this is that we have student who have good mental health. And also the following reasons :

Comfort and Security, Stress and Anxiety Reduction, Emotional Regulation, and they Increase Prosocial Behavior.

FINAL STATEMENT

Now what is your personal option on this? Should my school have it banned? Is it helpful for all people either if they are 4 years old to 60 years old? We need your opinion since this ban is not in any state law which means we can get this ban lifted since this mental health we are talking about.

Anyways, thank you if you read this to the end and gave your opinions about it. If you want to reach out on how to get your SCHOOL ONLY BANS lifted, i am always open to help you out. 

- Kaii A. Hughes