​Like adolescents, young adults are experiencing elevated rates of mental health  problems. The mental health challenges of college and university students are particularly pronounced. Long-term effects of the pandemic continue to shape young people’s mental health. As these students transition  into adulthood, it is critical they are prepared to manage their mental health and receive support for their well-being. (February 2025)​

​Teen girls have reported record high levels of violence, depression, self-harm, and suicide risk, often twice that of boys. Both male and female adolescents report school as their top stressor. But girls have unique stressors on top of academics, including early sexualization and societal pressures around body image, that can lead to poor mental health. Quality teen friendships and school belonging can protect kids from mental health concerns throughout their adolescence and even extend into adulthood. (August 2023)​

​Children with disabilities – whether physical, intellectual, or developmental – have higher rates of mental health conditions than children without disabilities. The mental health conditions have a significant, lasting, and negative impact on their lives. These children with the most needs also tend to be the most underserved by our care system. (July 2024)​

​Kids who participate in extracurricular activities such as lessons, sports, afterschool clubs, or community service tend to have better mental health. Extracurriculars are organized activities that teach important life skills like teamwork, interpersonal communication, and stress management, which in turn bolster kids’ well-being and improve their lifetime outcomes. Additionally, extracurriculars, whether organized through school or a community-based organization, increase belonging – an essential ingredient for mental well-being. (July 2025)​​​​​

​Housing instability refers to a continuum of challenges between homelessness and stable housing. Housing instability can include moving frequently, insufficient heating and cooling, as well as exposure to toxins and allergens. Youth who live in stable housing have better mental health, physical health, school attendance, academic performance, participation in extracurricular activities, and improved earnings later in life. That is, housing stability has long-term impacts on a child’s life. (December 2022)​

​Peer support is a form of community care where those with lived experience help others navigate an issue through supportive relationships. Peer support helps fill gaps in the mental health workforce with roles such as recovery coaches, community health navigators, and certified peer specialists. Youth-led peer mental health groups play an important role as kids often turn to their friends and peers first for help. Peer support can be an effective, accessible, empowering, and affordable approach to meeting the mental health needs of families.  (February 2023)​

​Chronic absenteeism negatively impacts student mental health and has long-term effects that ripple into adulthood. Consistent school attendance is one of the best indicators of student engagement and learning, but also of family and child well-being. Regular school attendance leads to improved academic, economic, health, and relational outcomes over a child’s lifetime. When students miss school, their absence can lead to social isolation, anxiety, and loneliness – and for those with existing mental health challenges – deepen their struggles. (October 2025)​

​School nurses do more than just provide bandages and ice packs. They are critical team members who care for both students and staff. School nurses help manage students’ chronic health conditions, render first aid, administer life-saving medications like epinephrine and naloxone, monitor communicable diseases, and provide immunizations, plus conduct vision and hearing screenings. Now more than ever, school nurses are also managing student mental health. (October 2024)​

​It’s estimated that 50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24. Due to a shortage of mental health professionals, financial obstacles, and social stigma, few kids receive the mental heath care they need. Universal mental health screening—wellness screens—can be conducted in schools or doctors’ offices to catch kids who may be struggling, identify their strengths, and provide resources before they reach a tipping point. {June 2023)​