New CDC analyzes released today shed additional light on the mental health of American high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the disproportionate level of threats experienced by some students.
According to new data, in 2021, more than a third (37%) of high school students said they experienced poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 44% said they persistently felt sad or hopeless over the past year. New analyzes also describe some of the serious challenges young people faced during the pandemic:
- More than half (55%) said they had experienced emotional abuse from a parent or other adult in the home, including swearing, insulting or humiliating students.
- 11% experienced physical abuse by a parent or other adult in the home, including hitting, beating, hitting, or physically injuring students.
- More than a quarter (29%) reported that a parent or other adult had lost their job in their home.
Prior to the pandemic, mental health was deteriorating among high school students, according to previous CDC data.pdf icon
“These data resonate with a cry for help,” said CDC Acting Deputy Director Debra Houri, MD, MPH. The COVID-19 pandemic has created traumatic stressors that have the potential to further impair students’ mental well-being. Our research shows that the youth environment, with the right support, can reverse these trends and help our youth now and in the future. ”
Youth of lesbians, homosexuals, and bisexuals and females reported higher levels of poor mental health; emotional abuse by a parent or guardian; and after a suicide attempt by his colleagues.
In addition, over a third (36%) of students said they experienced racism before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. The highest levels were reported among Asian students (64%) and black and multiracial students (both 55%). The poll cannot determine the extent to which events during the pandemic contributed to reported racism. However, experiences of racism among young people are associated with poor mental health, academic achievement and lifelong health risk behaviors.
Liaison with schools provided critical protection for students during COVID-19
The findings also emphasize that the sense of care, support and belonging in the school - called “school connection” - has had an important impact on students during times of serious disability. Young people who felt connected to adults and peers at school were significantly less likely than those who did not report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (35% vs. 53%); that they were seriously considering a suicide attempt (14% vs. 26%); or attempted suicide (6% vs. 12%). However, less than half (47%) of young people said they felt close to people at school during the pandemic.
“Connecting with schools is key to solving the problems of young people at all times - especially in times of serious disorders,” said Dr. Kathleen A. Etierre, director of the CDC’s Department of Adolescent Health and Schools. “Students now need our support more than ever, either by making their schools inclusive and safe or by giving them the opportunity to engage in their communities and be mentored by supportive adults.
We all have a role to play in helping young people recover from the challenges of COVID-19
Young people with poor mental health can struggle with school and grades, decision making and their health. Youth mental health problems are also often associated with other health and behavioral risks, such as increased risk of drug use, experiencing violence, and riskier sexual behavior.
Schools are key partners in supporting the health and well-being of students. In addition to education, they provide opportunities for academic, social, mental health and physical health services that can help protect against negative outcomes. However, schools are facing unprecedented disruptions during the pandemic and cannot tackle these complex challenges on their own.
“Faced with adversity, supporting schools, families and communities protects adolescents from potentially devastating consequences,” said Jonathan Mermin, MD, director of the National Center for HIV / AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Tuberculosis Prevention. monitoring and resolving health conditions in schools. “These data tell us what works. So what will our schools and communities need to help young people withstand the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond? ”
More information
This data, published as MVVR Surveillance Supplement, come from the Adolescent Behavior and Experience Survey (ABES), the first nationally representative CDC survey among high school students in public and private schools to assess youth welfare in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded through the Law on Assistance, Assistance and Economic Security (CARES), the CDC conducted a survey during January-June 2021.
CDC Adolescent Health Department and Student Mental Health School: https://www.cdc.gov/healthiiouth/mental-health/indek.htm.
For more information from the CDC’s National Center for HIV / AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Tuberculosis Prevention, visit www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom