The mental health of teenagers in the United States is showing slight signs of improvement, according to a recent government survey. The report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated a decrease in the percentage of high school students reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness from 42% to 40% between 2021 and 2023. Despite this improvement, a significant number of students, especially girls, continue to experience these emotions.
Among female students, the percentage reporting ongoing sadness or hopelessness dropped from 57% to 53%. Additionally, the share of girls who said they had seriously considered attempting suicide declined slightly from 30% to 27%. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted school activities and heightened isolation among young people, may have influenced the 2021 data on mental health. Yet, long-term trends suggest a concerning deterioration in teenagers’ mental well-being, particularly among girls.
Dr. Anisha Abraham, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics from Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., noted that social media’s focus on appearance and body image adds to the pressures affecting girls’ mental health. The survey revealed that in 2023, 77% of students reported using social media multiple times a day, with girls being more frequent users than boys. Moreover, 16% of high school students reported being electronically bullied within the past year through platforms like texting, Instagram, or Facebook, with girls and LGBTQ+ students facing a higher risk of electronic bullying.
Abraham emphasized the importance of open dialogues between teenagers and caregivers. Parents are urged to be attentive and proactive if they notice signs of hopelessness or withdrawal from normal activities in their teenagers, encouraging them to seek counseling or further evaluation when needed.
