The Impact of Boarding Schools on Students’ Mental Health and Social Development

Abstract

Under the background of global advancement and diversification of education, the application of boarding schools has become widespread, and students enrolled in this system span multiple age groups. This paper reviews recent research on the effects of boarding school education on students’ mental health and social development. Boarding schools integrate academic life with daily routines, creating environments that can both support and challenge adolescent growth. Drawing on empirical studies published since 2020; the review highlights the dual nature of boarding experiences. Negative outcomes include heightened academic pressure, risks of depression, and persistent loneliness, particularly among vulnerable groups such as rural students and left-behind children. At the same time, boarding may foster independence, resilience, and peer support. In some contexts, it mitigates disadvantages linked to limited family resources. Parent–child relationships and peer networks emerge as critical mediators shaping students’ adjustment. The review concludes that the impact of boarding schools cannot be reduced to a single dimension; instead, targeted strategies are needed to manage risks while enhancing potential benefits.