Our schools have the power to be one of the strongest allies in protecting the mental health of our youth. With growing concerns about suicide prevention, the latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report from the CDC underscores the urgent need for proactive measures. Schools are uniquely positioned to be the first line of defense, offering support and resources that can make a real difference in students’ lives.
The new CDC report focuses on health behaviors and experiences of US high school students. The data highlights students’ behaviors and experiences in 2023, changes from 2021 to 2023, and 10-year trends. Topics included cover sexual behavior, substance use, experiences of violence, mental health, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and other important issues, like social media use.
The results of the survey paint a concerning picture: almost all measures of poor mental health and suicidal behaviors among students have worsened during the past decade. In that time, there has been a significant rise in the number of students reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, along with an increase in those seriously considering or attempting suicide. Particularly troubling are the disparities among different groups, with LGBTQ, American Indian/Alaska Native, and female students more likely to experience these challenges.
However, the report offers some encouraging news regarding youth mental health in more recent years. Fortunately, we have seen improvements during the past two years. The report states that there were decreases in the percentage of female students who felt persistently sad or who seriously considered attempting suicide; researchers discovered the same for Hispanic students. The number of Black students who attempted suicide dropped as well.
Even though these numbers decreased in recent years, it doesn’t mean the problem is gone. According to the report, two in 10 students seriously considered attempting suicide, and almost one in 10 students reported attempting suicide in 2023. This proves that we need to shift our focus to preventing mental health challenges before they take root, which means we need to invest in creating school environments where early intervention can take place.
Schools have the ability to establish safe, supportive spaces where students feel secure and valued. They are often the first place where students can access mental health support and be linked to community mental health services for both themselves and their families.
The CDC underscores this by supporting school-based strategies highlighted below that are proven to enhance students’ behavioral and mental health in grades K-12.
Increase Students’ Mental Health Literacy
Increasing students’ mental health literacy can be achieved by integrating mental health education into core classes or as part of the overall curriculum. Additionally, peer-led programs can play a powerful role in this effort. By training teen leaders to model positive behaviors, schools empower students to learn healthy coping strategies.
Promote Mindfulness
Promoting mindfulness can be done through classroom-based education, where students learn about stress and its effects on the body. Schools should also give students time each day to practice mindfulness on their own. Additionally, small group activities may provide students with a deeper understanding of mindfulness techniques.
Promote Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Learning
Good mental health also applies to social skills and behavioral development. Schools should implement classroom lessons that help students understand their feelings, make decisions, solve problems, and build healthy relationships.
Enhance Connectedness Among Students, Staff, and Families
Feelings of isolation often start in school. When students feel genuinely cared for by peers and teachers, it fosters a strong sense of community and connection. However, despite these efforts, many students, particularly those from marginalized groups, may still experience feelings of isolation. To address this, schools must prioritize and invest in relationship-building programs that foster inclusivity and support.
Provide Psychosocial Skills Training and Cognitive Behavioral Interventions
Psychosocial skills training helps students reflect on whether their actions match their personal values. If they realize their behavior doesn’t align with their values, they can make positive changes. These approaches help students improve their behavior and handle life’s challenges more effectively.
Support Staff Well-Being
The CDC reports that high levels of burnout and depression among educators, particularly those of color, can harm the learning environment. Educators experiencing burnout and mental health challenges may struggle with motivation, effectiveness, and engagement, which can affect their interactions with students and the classroom atmosphere. Implementing school-based mental health programs for staff can foster a more positive climate, improving outcomes for both educators and students.
Schools have the potential to profoundly impact students’ lives, but they can’t do it alone. For their efforts to be truly successful, schools need the support of families and communities.
Lastly, while treatment is crucial, focusing on prevention – especially in the formative setting of schools – makes a significant impact. Implementing these strategies early in a student’s life can help mitigate the development of more serious problems down the road. In essence, the classroom is where the road begins.
Clinical Psychologist Dr. Christine Cauffield, CEO of LSF Health Systems in Jacksonville, FL, leads the nonprofit organization that manages state-funded behavioral health in a 23-county area from Northeast Florida down to North Central Florida. The agency’s website is www.lsfhealthsystems.org.
Sources
Previous CDC Reports
- Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2011–2021
- Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2009–2019
Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2007–2017
