Over the course of the pandemic, many parents were concerned about their teen’s mental health. Sports and dances were canceled. Friends couldn’t sit together at lunch, or even see each other at all. Kids were attending school in their kitchen or bedroom, in pajamas. Some weren’t even logging in. It turns out, the CDC has also taken notice of this public mental health crisis. As reported by the Washington Post: 

“In December, Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued an advisory on protecting youth mental health. ‘The pandemic era’s unfathomable number of deaths, pervasive sense of fear, economic instability, and forced physical distancing from loved ones, friends, and communities have exacerbated the unprecedented stresses young people already faced,’ Murthy wrote. ‘It would be a tragedy if we beat back one public health crisis only to allow another to grow in its place.’

The CDC survey paints a portrait of a generation reeling from the pandemic, grappling with food insecurity, academic struggles, poor health and abuse at home. Nearly 30 percent of the teens surveyed said a parent or other adult in their home lost work during the pandemic, and a quarter struggled with hunger. Two-thirds said they had difficulty with schoolwork.

But the survey also offers hope, finding that teens who feel connected at school report much lower rates of poor health. The finding calls attention to the critical role schools can play in a student’s mental health.” 

So it appears there is a bit of silver lining to the storm clouds. We implore all schools to think of how they can foster connection in this critical time. Our kids need it – more than ever.

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Ana Gonzalez

Ana Gonzalez is an immigrant from Mexico who came to the U.S. at the age of 10. At age 17, Ana won First place in a district-wide essay contest from Rialto Unified School District, celebrating the life of Cesar Chavez and continuing his legacy, receiving some significant and admirable awards, one given by the legendary Dolores Huerta, a Congressional Commendation award from the U.S. House of Representatives, and other statewide and district awards. Ana earned her Associate Degrees from San Bernardino Valley College, both in Liberal Studies, one emphasizing in Social and Behavioral Science and the other in Humanities. She works for Rialto Unified Schools as a District Parent Center Assistant, previously as an Instructional Aide for Special Education and Intervention Specialist for English Learners. Ana is a single mom of two children, a student at CSU San Bernardino, and an advocate for the education of minorities, for environmental, social, healthcare justice and the homeless. Ana recently received major recognitions from Assembly member Eloise Reyes, District 47, as a 30 under 30 leader, for the service and advocacy in the District. Ana also received the Woman of Distinction Award from the Chicano Latino Caucus of San Bernardino County and LULAC. Educating and empowering the youth, parents, and marginalized communities are her priority. Ana’s objective is to strive for EDUCATION, EQUITY, MOTIVATION, and PROSPERITY for ALL! She believes everyone has the power to succeed in whatever they desire. There are no excuses!

Latest posts by Ana Gonzalez (see all)

• 3 Simple Ways Students (And Parents!) Can Build Better Habits - June 16, 2022
• Cómo CSULB está Capacitando a las Familias Latinas para estar más Saludables - June 13, 2022
• Advertencia de los CDC sobre lo que los Padres ya saben; La salud Mental de los Adolescentes está Disminuyendo - May 10, 2022
• How CSULB is Empowering Latino Families to Get Healthier - April 29, 2022
• Can Summer School & Tutoring Programs Address Learning Loss? - April 27, 2022