Remote instruction adversely impacts parental mental health, less among homeschoolers

This study explores the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic-induced shift to remote instruction on parental mental health, using data from the American Enterprise Institute's Return-to-Learn tracker and the U.S. Census Pulse Survey. We exploit within-state variation in the timing of school closures from August 2020 to June 2021, controlling flexibly for demographic and state-level factors. We find that an increase in the proportion of remote instruction districts correlates with an escalation in parental mental health issues, including heightened anxiety, worry, depression, and a loss of interest in activities. These adverse effects are significantly lessened among parents who choose homeschooling. A one percentage point increase in the share of remote instruction in the state is associated with a 2.2 percentage point rise in homeschooling probability. Our paper contributes to understanding the wider impact of pandemic-induced educational changes, highlighting substantial mental health implications for parents. Taking stock of lessons learned over the Covid-19 pandemic, these findings are pivotal for shaping informed educational policies that consider the well-being of the whole family during crises.