“Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people age 15 to 24 in the U.S. Nearly 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide and 9% have made an attempt to take their lives, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.” 'The things that make them vulnerable are where they stand socially and developmentally,' says UCLA Health's Dr. Carl Fleisher"
According to a press release from the National Center of Education Statistics,``More than 80 Percent of U.S. Public Schools Report Pandemic Has Negatively Impacted Student Behavior and Socio-Emotional Development”. This includes heightened stress levels and truancy levels of not only students, but teachers as well.
“According to a 2021 Mental Health America (MHA) report, severe major depression has increased in youth to 9.7%. This is an increase from 9.2% in 2020. This report also states that youth ages 11 to 17 were the most likely age group to score in the moderate-to-severe depression categories when screened for mental health conditions.”
“According to statistics from Family First Aid, about 30 percent of teenagers in the U.S. have been involved in bullying, either as a bully or as a victim of bullying. There are a number of effects that come with bullying. Physical, emotional, verbal and cyber bullying can deeply affect teens. Bullying and being a victim of bullying have been proven to lead to depression, suicide, drug use and stunted social development. These problems can affect a person well into adulthood.”
Studies for basic mindfulness programs have shown positive results since the late 90’s. Reporting improved emotional regulation, focus, compassion and engagement in students along with lower stress levels, greater self-compassion, ability to connect with others and ease of lesson delivery for teachers. (2, 3, 4) Other studies show that both bullies and their victims pose a major risk of mental illness and a lower account of success in business and relationships in adulthood if not treated properly.
