In classrooms and community programs across the country, art is often treated as an “extra”. It’s a nice addition if time and budgets allow. Yet research shows that visual arts are far more than a pleasant diversion; they are essential for the mental, emotional, and even academic development of children.
From painting and drawing to sculpture and digital design, visual arts give children an outlet for creativity, self-expression, and emotional processing. These benefits are especially important in a time when mental health concerns among youth are rising. Globally, 1 in 7 adolescents (around 13%) experience mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression (WHO, 2021).
1. Building Self‐Esteem & Confidence
Creating something tangible, whether a watercolor landscape or a mixed-media collage, can boost a child’s sense of accomplishment and self-worth. A Crayola–commissioned YouGov study of children aged 6–12 found that 92% believe creativity boosts their self-confidence.
This isn’t limited to “talented” students; a University College London study found that children who engage in arts activities nearly every day have higher levels of self-esteem regardless of skill level. By focusing on the process rather than perfection, art allows children to explore, make mistakes, and learn resilience, which are critical life skills both in and out of the classroom.
2. Supporting Social & Emotional Development
Art often becomes a shared language among peers, fostering collaboration and empathy. Arts engagement in early childhood has been linked to increased social competence and cognitive development. For older children, participation in after-school or extracurricular arts programs correlates with improved social–emotional skills such as empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution (Arts.gov).
Group art projects teach children how to negotiate ideas, give and receive feedback, and celebrate others’ contributions, all skills that translate directly into healthier relationships and stronger communities.
3. Enhancing Mental Health & Reducing Anxiety
Visual arts also provide an important tool for emotional regulation. A longitudinal study found that younger children who engaged regularly with the arts experienced reduced anxiety and depression after arts involvement.
In therapeutic settings, art activities have been shown to lower distress and improve emotional well-being in children and adolescents, including those facing hospitalization or trauma (UNSW.edu.au). The act of creating (i.e. selecting colors, shaping clay, sketching a scene) can be grounding, much like mindfulness practices.
4. Promoting Emotional Expression & Healing
Some children struggle to articulate their feelings verbally. Visual arts give them a safe, non-verbal outlet to process complex emotions. Art therapy research emphasizes that creative expression can “release bottled-up emotions” without fear of judgment, making it especially valuable for children with anxiety, developmental disorders, or behavioral challenges (UNSW.edu.au).
Group art therapy can also strengthen trust and connection. By sharing their work in a supportive environment, children learn that their experiences and emotions are valid and worthy of attention.
5. Reducing Stigma Around Mental Health
Incorporating art into school programming can help break down stigma about mental health. A review of 57 studies involving over 41,600 participants found that multi-modal arts interventions—including visual arts—had a modest but meaningful effect (effect size = 0.28) in improving attitudes toward people with mental health conditions.
When schools use art to spark conversations about feelings, resilience, and empathy, they normalize emotional struggles and help students feel less alone.
6. Supporting Academic and Cognitive Growth
While the mental health benefits of art are profound, the academic advantages are worth noting too. Students engaged in art programs often score higher on standardized tests in reading and math, and they develop enhanced problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Integrating arts into science, math, and language lessons builds cognitive flexibility—an essential skill for adapting to complex challenges in school and beyond.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
Children today face unprecedented pressures—academic demands, social media influences, and in some cases, instability at home. Visual arts can serve as a protective factor, offering a healthy, constructive outlet for processing emotions and building resilience.
With mental health challenges affecting millions of young people worldwide, investing in arts activities is not optional; it’s essential. Schools, community organizations, and parents can all play a role by:
- Ensuring access to visual arts activities.
- Supporting after-school and weekend art programs that welcome children of all skill levels.
- Integrating art into mental health initiatives, such as wellness days or therapy programs.
Our After-School Programs: Where Art Meets Well-Being
At Amplified Change, we’ve built our after-school programs around these very principles—providing a safe, supportive space for school-aged children to explore the visual arts, build confidence, and nurture their mental and emotional well-being.
What sets our programs apart is our meditation and grounding component. Each session begins with a few minutes of mindfulness—deep breathing, guided visualization, or gentle movement—to help students center themselves before diving into their art projects. This simple but powerful practice helps children:
- Reduce stress and enter a calm, focused state.
- Increase self-awareness and emotional regulation.
- Develop lifelong tools for handling anxiety and overwhelm.
Combined with visual arts, this holistic approach addresses the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—helping them thrive.
Our programs are trauma-informed and designed to give every child, regardless of skill level, the opportunity to:
- Express themselves creatively through painting, drawing, and other visual arts.
- Build resilience and coping skills in a supportive environment.
- Develop friendships and learn collaboration through group projects.
- Gain confidence by showcasing their work and celebrating progress over perfection.
Ready to Join Us?
Registration is now open for our upcoming after-school sessions! Spots are limited to ensure each child receives personalized attention, so we encourage you to sign up early.
