The Kids are Not Alright

Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. children aged 3 to 17 has a mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorder. The number of adolescents who reported a major depressive episode increased by over 150% in the last decade alone and suicide is now the second leading cause of death for ages 10-14. Visits to the ER related to suicide among children and young adults increased fivefold over the last decade. Our younger generations have felt the lasting impacts of social isolation from the pandemic, uncertainty about the future due to global conflicts and climate change, and the addictive pull of social media, which fosters unhealthy body images and comparison culture. As highlighted in a special report from the surgeon general, adolescents in our country face a perfect storm for mental and behavioral health challenges, with little access to solutions to help them cope and thrive. Hear from those working with and advocating for youth about positive ways forward.