From January 2022, students in Illinois will be able to take 5 mental health days off school.

Signed by Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker, the law will allow all public school students, ages 6-17 to take the excused absences from school without needing a doctor’s note.

This comes after many have raised the argument that students are under increased mental strain, especially during this time of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement, State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, who co-sponsored the bill, said: “Many students feel stressed, and have developed anxiety and depression because they’re not able to see teachers and friends, and may have lower grades due to remote learning. This will allow them to get the help they need.”

Great news!