The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 10-year data summary trend report notes that 40% of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness; 20% seriously considered attempting suicide; and almost 10% attempted suicide, according to an article in K-12 Dive.
Here are three potential K-12 mental health issues to watch in 2025:
1) Look for increased recognition of the link between social media and student anxiety related to self-esteem, school safety (including school shooter violence), cyberbullying and cultural violence (such as antisemitism and other forms of racism).
Many states have introduced measures to protect children. Platforms such as Instagram are intent on protecting youth — for example, making all teen accounts private.
The forced disconnection brought by cellphone restrictions can provide a respite from social media anxiety and a chance to earn self-esteem points for engaging in instruction. A classroom is likely to function more productively without cellphone distractions, according to one expert.
Still, it can feel unsettling to disconnect, even for a 50-minute class session. Schools can leverage SEL principles to help students with this change, such as emphasizing the benefits of self-management and building in-person connections.
2) Growing teen awareness of global issues, such as the prevalence of climate issues, is increasingly leading to mental distress. Developing resiliency skills will be critical to help youth face significant life events, including natural disasters. Having a disaster and reunification plan can help alleviate anxiety for youth living in a disaster-prone area. Other global events, particularly those involving military conflict and violence, can be equally disturbing. Equip students with tools to build resilience and incorporate proven SEL techniques to help calm these worries.
Media literacy is another important skill to build. Students need to learn how to separate fact from fiction and recognize reliable sources of news information. This makes students better informed on issues they may face. A study from the News Literacy Project, a nonpartisan education nonprofit, found that 94% of teens say they want schools to provide media literacy instruction.
3) In 2025, the reduced stigma around mental health struggles will increase demand for mental health resources and encourage students to speak up and seek help.
Despite increased funding for school-based and community-based mental health services, the number of qualified mental health providers does not meet the increased demand for services. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) estimates there are fewer than 11,500 child and adolescent psychiatrists in the United States. Many communities look to schools as a core resource for mental health services.
Schools can be the source for resiliency programs like SEL; serve as early warning centers for identifying mental health needs; and be the physical location for delivering mental health services.
Educators should be aware that behavior is language. Seek to understand to help solve problems. Be patient and be present. Communicate with your students’ caregivers, school counselors, etc. if you have concerns. And make use of your own internal mental health radar.
K-12 Dive
