It Takes A Community To Support Our Kids’ Wellbeing
Being a kid has never been easy, but today’s youth are navigating a world with far more complex challenges than many of us ever experienced. Between family problems like financial stress, exposure to violence, and constant pressure online and in school, it’s no wonder that youth mental health and wellbeing are declining.
According to new research from the Coalition to Empower our Future, 58 percent of parents rate the state of youth mental health and wellbeing as very or somewhat poor. When asked about a broad range of factors causing the decline in youth mental health, 67 percent of parents say that bullying has a major impact, 65 percent say drug and alcohol abuse, and 64 percent say social media. While these issues often overlap, they suggest that many students experience one or more of these struggles daily. What’s more, the data shows that a majority of parents recognize youth mental health as a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a similarly multifaceted solution.
In fact, 79 percent of parents opt for a comprehensive approach to address the youth mental health challenge over a narrow approach that targets one specific factor. Here, in New York, that number is even higher with 83 percent of parents saying we need a comprehensive approach.
The list doesn’t stop there. Another 62 percent of parents say that loneliness and isolation play a major role, and 60 percent cite instability at home as a significant factor. These aren’t just occasional issues; they are everyday realities that impact how safe, supported and mentally healthy young people feel.
Parents understandably – and quite universally – feel a deep sense of responsibility for the state of youth mental health. Across the country, they are doing everything they can to be a safe space, a coach, an advocate and a teacher for their kids. They’re working tirelessly to ensure their children feel seen, heard and supported, but they can’t do it alone.
Despite these complex challenges, there is a consistent source of relief: community. A strong support system can profoundly impact a young person’s life, providing stability, encouragement and connection. According to our research, parents rely on a broad range of resources and people – mental health professionals, family members, friends, religious organizations and teachers, to name a few –to help support their children’s mental health.
In the coalition’s conversation with parents, one New York parent noted, “…we need a comprehensive solution to address this problem. Everyone’s situation is different..” continuing that school is part of the equation but “it also starts in the home and the community. It’s a multiple-tiered approach.” Another parent in New York noted, “it’s not a one size fits all type of situation.”
Communities play a vital role in helping young people navigate the complex challenges, constant pressures and expectations they face. Building strong, healthy relationships not only improves mental health and wellbeing, but also creates a foundation of support that can have a meaningful, lasting impact on kids today.
As parents, educators and caregivers, it is up to us to listen, support and show up for our kids. We must come together to find meaningful and long-lasting solutions to support them. And we all must work to address youth mental health and wellbeing challenges by encouraging connection, building understanding and working toward better access to support systems.
In spite of the myriad challenges and pressures kids today face, they are doing their best to stay mentally and emotionally well. They shouldn’t have to do it alone, and their parents need the full support of their communities to empower them.
Glen Weiner is the executive director of the Coalition to Empower our Futureand a parent. He lives with his family in Westchester County, New York.
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