CUSED SOLUTIONS TO THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS FACING OUR TEENS
POSITION STATEMENT
May 2023
Recent studies have shown that almost one-third of teen girls in the United States (30%) have seriously considered suicide. The research also reveals that boys are experiencing significant increases in loneliness and hopelessness. Alarmingly, our nation’s young people are experiencing record levels of anxiety and depression
The Character.org board, staff, and our advisory council have identified four root causes underlying this mental health crisis:
Social media and the smartphone
Fifty-five different studies have shown that frequent use of social media triggers “social comparison” emotions in all people and are particularly harmful to a young person's mental health."
“Gloom and doom” narratives
Online clicks are filling our teens with a variety of doomsday narratives, ranging from the death of democracy and unstoppable climate change to spiraling poverty and inequality Researchers have shown that these sensationalist, hyperbolic narratives are producing a generation of pessimistic teens who believe they have no agency.
Academic achievement pressure
The trend toward colleges no longer requiring the SAT or ACT for undergraduate admissions has caused what one expert calls a “teen-anxiety firestorm.” Students who obsess over their GPA sleep less and have significantly less leisure time Startlingly, students in the United States now study more hours per week than the permitted legal working hours for adult employees.
Parenting styles
Decades of research show that young people tend to be remarkably resilient to adverse experiences. Yet too many parents overprotect their teens, setting up their children to be more easily damaged or discouraged when they hit a bumpy road that their parents can’t fix.
Contact: John Kabashinski
MMEDIATE RELEASE
john@character
org - 202-642-9928
RISIS, CHARACTER.ORG CALLS ON ALL PARENTS, EDUCATORS, COACHES, RELIGIOUS LEADERS AND MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS TO EMPHASIZE FOUR CHARACTER-FOCUSED SOLUTIONS:
Reinforce the Importance of Hope and Purpose
Research has demonstrated the significant benefits that emerge when teens have purpose.
Introduce the language of purpose, so teens understand why it is important for them to develop a future-minded mindset. Encourage young people to “find their purpose” based on their interests and character strengths, emphasizing that one’s purpose differs from choosing a career.
Provide opportunities for every teen to explain in their own words how they are in control of their own future (captain of their ship).
2. Ensure that Every Young Person Has At Least One Meaningful and Supportive Relationship with a Caring Adult Research shows the benefits when young people have a caring adult in their life.
Introduce the language of positive relationships, so teens understand why it is important to build a meaningful relationship with a caring adult.
Provide opportunities for every teen to explain in their own words how a caring adult is helping them become their best possible self
3. Emphasize the Practice of Gratitude Research shows that gratitude doesn’t just feel good, gratitude is good for you. Contact: John
Explain why daily gratitude affirmations improve health and lower stress and anxiety
Encourage young people to notice and appreciate the good things in their lives. Provide opportunities for young people to explain their gratitude practice, whether it’s writing in a “gratitude journal” or a specific ritual of gratitude.
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john@character.org - 202-642-9928
Kabashinski
4. Teach and Model the Skills of Positive Self-Talk
Recent research has shown the benefits of positive self-talk
Explain to young people that everyone has that “voice” in their heads constantly telling them that no one likes them or that they can’t do anything right. Demonstrate the steps young people can take to select a positive expression to refute their negative self-talk. Provide opportunities for young people to share with others the positive expression they repeat to themselves and why this word or phrase has personal meaning to them.
Conclusion
Character.org calls on our nation’s leaders to come together and combat this epidemic of depression and suicidal ideation Let’s help Americans of all ages feel more connected, hopeful, and purposeful. Young people can be remarkably resilient when they have the language, tools, and skills to use and leverage their own character strengths.
NOTE: To learn more about the research cited above and what else Character org is doing to address the mental health of young people, please visit www.character.org/mentalhealth.
Contact: John Kabashinski
Contact: John Kabashinski
john@character.org - 202-642-9928
john@character org - 202-642-9928