Within the past 12 months, 14% of teen girls have been raped. Another 18% endured other episodes of sexual violence at one point or the other.
Kathleen Ethier works as the CDC’s adolescent and school health division director. In straightforward remarks, she stated America’s youth remains “in crisis” and in need of help.
Furthermore, it is the CDC’s view that schools need to play a role in bettering the mental health of young people.
Schools can make this happen by taking the following measures:
- Training faculty members on how to spot and handle mental health challenges in students
- Providing mentorship and counseling programs
- Providing additional programs that give students pathways to necessary intervention and connection with others
The bottom line
The mental health and well-being of teen girls in this country will have long-lasting impacts on our nation, as a whole. Today’s young people are tomorrow’s adults and leaders.
A crucial part of investing in America’s future will demand making sure that young people are on a good path.
