Teen rates of suicidal thoughts and depression declined between 2021 and 2024, according to survey results released Monday by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows a 3-percentage-point decline to 10% in serious thoughts of suicide among youth ages 12-17 and a 5-percentage-point decline to 15.4% among adolescents who had a major depressive episode between 2021 and 2024.
Many researchers, educators and behavioral experts point to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased screen time as contributing to worsening youth mental health in recent years. In response, many school systems increased supports and staff to address mental well-being, with some using federal pandemic emergency funding to pay for the initiatives.
Despite the resources and attention given to student mental health in recent years, education leaders — including special education professionals — say the demand for services is continuing to outweigh the availability of school-based mental health experts.
Additionally, schools want more funding specifically to address student mental well-being.
At the same time, the Trump administration earlier this year canceled the remaining funds for two federal multi-year grant programs for mental health services and professional development totaling $1 billion.
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