As the upcoming school year approaches, students are met with a mix of excitement and anxiety. For students of all ages, going back to school means reuniting with friends, engaging in new learning experiences, and adopting a structured routine. However, it can also bring about stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Balancing academic demands, social pressures, and extracurricular activities can be overwhelming for some students, while others may struggle with safety concerns like violence and bullying.
The Current State of Youth Mental Health
This year, as students head back to school, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report examining the challenges faced by millions of young people. The data highlights some improvements, such as decreases in the percentage of students feeling persistently sad or hopeless. However, there are also alarming increases in school-based violence and absenteeism due to safety concerns. The report provides 10-year data trends by sex, race and ethnicity, and sexual and gender identity.
Key findings from the report include:
- Decreases in the percentage of students overall who experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (from 42% to 40%).
- Decreases in the percentage of female students who experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (from 57% to 53%) and who seriously considered attempting suicide (30% to 27%).
- Increases in the percentage of students who were bullied at school (15% to 19%).
- Increases in the percentage of students who missed school because of safety concerns either at school or on the way to school (9% to 13%).
The report underscores significant health disparities, particularly among female and LGBTQ+ high school students, who report higher rates of violence, poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors than their peers. In 2023, nearly three in 10 LGBTQ+ students were bullied at school, and two in 10 attempted suicide.
Schools Take Action
The CDC’s timely release of their report as students head back to school illustrates their effort to mobilize school districts to help promote student mental health and well-being. As explained in the CDC’s action guide for promoting mental health and well-being in schools, “[Schools] provide an opportunity to reach a large number of youth with strategies that can lessen the impact of negative experiences and improve students’ health and well-being.”
The action guide is aimed at school and district leaders of K–12 schools and outlines six strategies for education, prevention, and early intervention mental health efforts: increase students’ mental health literacy; promote mindfulness; promote social, emotional, and behavioral learning; enhance connectedness among students, staff, and families; provide psychosocial skills training and cognitive behavioral interventions; and support school staff well-being.
School districts across the country are answering the call to improve student mental health.
One strategy that has been gaining traction is the 4-day school week, which aims to help the mental health of both students and staff. Students and staff are supportive of four-day school weeks, and districts are willing to adopt this change for the purposes of boosting teacher recruitment and retention. The move may increase the quantity and quality of applicants.
One such school district making the transition for the ‘24–’25 school year is Carlton School District in Minnesota. “One of the reasons why we’re doing it is to increase the mental health of our students and staff, and so I think when people are trying to decide on where they want to go, Carlton is now on the radar,” explained Superintendent Donita Stepan.
Switching to a 4-day week is just one approach to improve mental health. Other initiatives schools are undertaking include appointing a mental health program director; training staff, school counselors, and teachers to recognize warning signs; hosting presentations on bullying; and starting a student mental health club.
In fact, as many administrators see a clear connection between the access to mental health support, the well-being of their students and faculty, and that impact on their greater communities, text-based mental health support company Counslr has signed on dozens of schools across the country over the summer in anticipation of the 2024-25 school year. Lisa Dursky, Principal at Crestwood High School, Cresco, IA, elaborates: “As educators, we see firsthand the pressures that our community faces, and having a resource like Counslr available 24/7 is invaluable. This partnership underscores our commitment to the well-being of everyone in our school, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive academically and personally.”
Each of Counslr’s school partnerships focus on empowering students and faculty to prioritize their mental well-being by enabling them to access unlimited texting sessions with Counslr’s licensed mental health support professionals and curated wellness resources designed to help manage stress and build resiliency.
Government Funding
The federal, state, and local governments have recognized the current youth mental health crisis and have allocated significant funding to support school districts. As of February, the Biden-Harris Administration awarded over $571 million across 264 grantees in 48 states and territories for increasing the number of school-based mental health professionals in high-need areas. The Department of Education has since made an additional $38 million available via grant competitions for the same purpose.
On the state level, Pennsylvania announced this month a framework to utilize nearly $120 million for school safety funding, including $100 million for School Safety & Mental Health Grants. Meanwhile, New York is in its second year of Governor Hochul’s $1 billion, multi-year plan to expand access to mental health care. Last year, the initiative established mental health clinics in 137 school districts across the state.
Locally, Boston unveiled a new initiative to spend $21 million over the next five years to improve mental health services. The initiative is funded through federal grants, mostly from the pandemic aid known as the American Rescue Plan Act, and the funds will be used to increase mental health support in city schools and train more behavioral health clinicians.
Student Advocacy
In addition to these top-down approaches, students are taking matters into their own hands and rising to the challenge. Across the country, young people are spearheading initiatives to improve mental health resources and support in their schools and communities. For example, students in Atlanta are creating a student-led board to influence mental health policy for Atlanta Public Schools. The students cited lingering mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which are in turn affecting their academic performance and future success. These students are part of their local chapter of Our Turn, a national, youth-led movement fighting for educational equity.
In Florida, the Suncoast chapter of Youth MOVE National organizes events and support group meetings for youth and young adults who are struggling with mental health issues. Youth MOVE National is a youth-driven, chapter-based organization dedicated to improving services and systems that support young people.
Looking Ahead
With the upcoming school year quickly approaching, the landscape of student mental health continues to evolve. While ongoing struggles remain, particularly among minority groups, there is reason for optimism. It’s clear that community leaders, educators, and students are recognizing the need and importance of increased mental health resources for students. In implementing new programs and providing additional resources, including innovative solutions like Counslr, schools are addressing immediate concerns and equipping students with valuable life skills. By working together, we can empower the next generation to live happier, healthier lives.
As the upcoming school year approaches, students are met with a mix of excitement and anxiety. For students of all ages, going back to school means reuniting with friends, engaging in new learning experiences, and adopting a structured routine. However, it can also bring about stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Balancing academic demands, social pressures, and extracurricular activities can be overwhelming for some students, while others may struggle with safety concerns like violence and bullying.
The Current State of Youth Mental Health
This year, as students head back to school, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report examining the challenges faced by millions of young people. The data highlights some improvements, such as decreases in the percentage of students feeling persistently sad or hopeless. However, there are also alarming increases in school-based violence and absenteeism due to safety concerns. The report provides 10-year data trends by sex, race and ethnicity, and sexual and gender identity.
Key findings from the report include:
- Decreases in the percentage of students overall who experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (from 42% to 40%).
- Decreases in the percentage of female students who experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (from 57% to 53%) and who seriously considered attempting suicide (30% to 27%).
- Increases in the percentage of students who were bullied at school (15% to 19%).
- Increases in the percentage of students who missed school because of safety concerns either at school or on the way to school (9% to 13%).
The report underscores significant health disparities, particularly among female and LGBTQ+ high school students, who report higher rates of violence, poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors than their peers. In 2023, nearly three in 10 LGBTQ+ students were bullied at school, and two in 10 attempted suicide.
Schools Take Action
The CDC’s timely release of their report as students head back to school illustrates their effort to mobilize school districts to help promote student mental health and well-being. As explained in the CDC’s action guide for promoting mental health and well-being in schools, “[Schools] provide an opportunity to reach a large number of youth with strategies that can lessen the impact of negative experiences and improve students’ health and well-being.”
The action guide is aimed at school and district leaders of K–12 schools and outlines six strategies for education, prevention, and early intervention mental health efforts: increase students’ mental health literacy; promote mindfulness; promote social, emotional, and behavioral learning; enhance connectedness among students, staff, and families; provide psychosocial skills training and cognitive behavioral interventions; and support school staff well-being.
School districts across the country are answering the call to improve student mental health.
One strategy that has been gaining traction is the 4-day school week, which aims to help the mental health of both students and staff. Students and staff are supportive of four-day school weeks, and districts are willing to adopt this change for the purposes of boosting teacher recruitment and retention. The move may increase the quantity and quality of applicants.
One such school district making the transition for the ‘24–’25 school year is Carlton School District in Minnesota. “One of the reasons why we’re doing it is to increase the mental health of our students and staff, and so I think when people are trying to decide on where they want to go, Carlton is now on the radar,” explained Superintendent Donita Stepan.
Switching to a 4-day week is just one approach to improve mental health. Other initiatives schools are undertaking include appointing a mental health program director; training staff, school counselors, and teachers to recognize warning signs; hosting presentations on bullying; and starting a student mental health club.
In fact, as many administrators see a clear connection between the access to mental health support, the well-being of their students and faculty, and that impact on their greater communities, text-based mental health support company Counslr has signed on dozens of schools across the country over the summer in anticipation of the 2024-25 school year. Lisa Dursky, Principal at Crestwood High School, Cresco, IA, elaborates: “As educators, we see firsthand the pressures that our community faces, and having a resource like Counslr available 24/7 is invaluable. This partnership underscores our commitment to the well-being of everyone in our school, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive academically and personally.”
Each of Counslr’s school partnerships focus on empowering students and faculty to prioritize their mental well-being by enabling them to access unlimited texting sessions with Counslr’s licensed mental health support professionals and curated wellness resources designed to help manage stress and build resiliency.
Government Funding
The federal, state, and local governments have recognized the current youth mental health crisis and have allocated significant funding to support school districts. As of February, the Biden-Harris Administration awarded over $571 million across 264 grantees in 48 states and territories for increasing the number of school-based mental health professionals in high-need areas. The Department of Education has since made an additional $38 million available via grant competitions for the same purpose.
On the state level, Pennsylvania announced this month a framework to utilize nearly $120 million for school safety funding, including $100 million for School Safety & Mental Health Grants. Meanwhile, New York is in its second year of Governor Hochul’s $1 billion, multi-year plan to expand access to mental health care. Last year, the initiative established mental health clinics in 137 school districts across the state.
Locally, Boston unveiled a new initiative to spend $21 million over the next five years to improve mental health services. The initiative is funded through federal grants, mostly from the pandemic aid known as the American Rescue Plan Act, and the funds will be used to increase mental health support in city schools and train more behavioral health clinicians.
Student Advocacy
In addition to these top-down approaches, students are taking matters into their own hands and rising to the challenge. Across the country, young people are spearheading initiatives to improve mental health resources and support in their schools and communities. For example, students in Atlanta are creating a student-led board to influence mental health policy for Atlanta Public Schools. The students cited lingering mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which are in turn affecting their academic performance and future success. These students are part of their local chapter of Our Turn, a national, youth-led movement fighting for educational equity.
In Florida, the Suncoast chapter of Youth MOVE National organizes events and support group meetings for youth and young adults who are struggling with mental health issues. Youth MOVE National is a youth-driven, chapter-based organization dedicated to improving services and systems that support young people.
Looking Ahead
With the upcoming school year quickly approaching, the landscape of student mental health continues to evolve. While ongoing struggles remain, particularly among minority groups, there is reason for optimism. It’s clear that community leaders, educators, and students are recognizing the need and importance of increased mental health resources for students. In implementing new programs and providing additional resources, including innovative solutions like Counslr, schools are addressing immediate concerns and equipping students with valuable life skills. By working together, we can empower the next generation to live happier, healthier lives.
The Evolving Landscape of Youth Mental Health: Is Your School Keeping Up?
As the upcoming school year approaches, students are met with a mix of excitement and anxiety. For students of all ages, going back to school means reuniting with friends, engaging in new learning experiences, and adopting a structured routine. However, it can also bring about stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Balancing academic demands, social pressures, and extracurricular activities can be overwhelming for some students, while others may struggle with safety concerns like violence and bullying.
The Current State of Youth Mental Health
This year, as students head back to school, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report examining the challenges faced by millions of young people. The data highlights some improvements, such as decreases in the percentage of students feeling persistently sad or hopeless. However, there are also alarming increases in school-based violence and absenteeism due to safety concerns. The report provides 10-year data trends by sex, race and ethnicity, and sexual and gender identity.
Key findings from the report include:
- Decreases in the percentage of students overall who experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (from 42% to 40%).
- Decreases in the percentage of female students who experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (from 57% to 53%) and who seriously considered attempting suicide (30% to 27%).
- Increases in the percentage of students who were bullied at school (15% to 19%).
- Increases in the percentage of students who missed school because of safety concerns either at school or on the way to school (9% to 13%).
The report underscores significant health disparities, particularly among female and LGBTQ+ high school students, who report higher rates of violence, poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors than their peers. In 2023, nearly three in 10 LGBTQ+ students were bullied at school, and two in 10 attempted suicide.
Schools Take Action
The CDC’s timely release of their report as students head back to school illustrates their effort to mobilize school districts to help promote student mental health and well-being. As explained in the CDC’s action guide for promoting mental health and well-being in schools, “[Schools] provide an opportunity to reach a large number of youth with strategies that can lessen the impact of negative experiences and improve students’ health and well-being.”
The action guide is aimed at school and district leaders of K–12 schools and outlines six strategies for education, prevention, and early intervention mental health efforts: increase students’ mental health literacy; promote mindfulness; promote social, emotional, and behavioral learning; enhance connectedness among students, staff, and families; provide psychosocial skills training and cognitive behavioral interventions; and support school staff well-being.
School districts across the country are answering the call to improve student mental health.
One strategy that has been gaining traction is the 4-day school week, which aims to help the mental health of both students and staff. Students and staff are supportive of four-day school weeks, and districts are willing to adopt this change for the purposes of boosting teacher recruitment and retention. The move may increase the quantity and quality of applicants.
One such school district making the transition for the ‘24–’25 school year is Carlton School District in Minnesota. “One of the reasons why we’re doing it is to increase the mental health of our students and staff, and so I think when people are trying to decide on where they want to go, Carlton is now on the radar,” explained Superintendent Donita Stepan.
Switching to a 4-day week is just one approach to improve mental health. Other initiatives schools are undertaking include appointing a mental health program director; training staff, school counselors, and teachers to recognize warning signs; hosting presentations on bullying; and starting a student mental health club.
In fact, as many administrators see a clear connection between the access to mental health support, the well-being of their students and faculty, and that impact on their greater communities, text-based mental health support company Counslr has signed on dozens of schools across the country over the summer in anticipation of the 2024-25 school year. Lisa Dursky, Principal at Crestwood High School, Cresco, IA, elaborates: “As educators, we see firsthand the pressures that our community faces, and having a resource like Counslr available 24/7 is invaluable. This partnership underscores our commitment to the well-being of everyone in our school, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive academically and personally.”
Each of Counslr’s school partnerships focus on empowering students and faculty to prioritize their mental well-being by enabling them to access unlimited texting sessions with Counslr’s licensed mental health support professionals and curated wellness resources designed to help manage stress and build resiliency.
Government Funding
The federal, state, and local governments have recognized the current youth mental health crisis and have allocated significant funding to support school districts. As of February, the Biden-Harris Administration awarded over $571 million across 264 grantees in 48 states and territories for increasing the number of school-based mental health professionals in high-need areas. The Department of Education has since made an additional $38 million available via grant competitions for the same purpose.
On the state level, Pennsylvania announced this month a framework to utilize nearly $120 million for school safety funding, including $100 million for School Safety & Mental Health Grants. Meanwhile, New York is in its second year of Governor Hochul’s $1 billion, multi-year plan to expand access to mental health care. Last year, the initiative established mental health clinics in 137 school districts across the state.
Locally, Boston unveiled a new initiative to spend $21 million over the next five years to improve mental health services. The initiative is funded through federal grants, mostly from the pandemic aid known as the American Rescue Plan Act, and the funds will be used to increase mental health support in city schools and train more behavioral health clinicians.
Student Advocacy
In addition to these top-down approaches, students are taking matters into their own hands and rising to the challenge. Across the country, young people are spearheading initiatives to improve mental health resources and support in their schools and communities. For example, students in Atlanta are creating a student-led board to influence mental health policy for Atlanta Public Schools. The students cited lingering mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which are in turn affecting their academic performance and future success. These students are part of their local chapter of Our Turn, a national, youth-led movement fighting for educational equity.
In Florida, the Suncoast chapter of Youth MOVE National organizes events and support group meetings for youth and young adults who are struggling with mental health issues. Youth MOVE National is a youth-driven, chapter-based organization dedicated to improving services and systems that support young people.
Looking Ahead
With the upcoming school year quickly approaching, the landscape of student mental health continues to evolve. While ongoing struggles remain, particularly among minority groups, there is reason for optimism. It’s clear that community leaders, educators, and students are recognizing the need and importance of increased mental health resources for students. In implementing new programs and providing additional resources, including innovative solutions like Counslr, schools are addressing immediate concerns and equipping students with valuable life skills. By working together, we can empower the next generation to live happier, healthier lives.
