Key Facts

• Nearly 40% of U.S. high school students reported feeling sad or hopeless in the past year.
• Mental health improves when students feel connected at school and have adults at home who meet their basic needs.
• Many parents feel very stressed, with 48% saying they are overwhelmed most days.
• Parents need practical ways to help their children’s emotional health without adding more pressure.
• Schools play a role by creating supportive environments and teaching social and emotional skills.
• Children spend much of their time outside school, so reinforcing these skills at home is important.
• Research from Harvard’s EASEL Lab shows simple activities, like breathing exercises, can help children manage emotions.