On Tuesday, the Missouri Board of Education will receive a presentation on the current state of mental health among children. The presentation will be given by Missouri Department of Mental Health Director Valerie Huhn and State Education Commissioner Margie Vandeven.
According to U.S. Surgeon General advisories, nearly one-third of teenagers report using social media almost constantly, with the number having doubled since 2015. Children and adolescents who spend more than 3 hours a day on social media are at double the risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Young adults are also at a higher risk of social isolation, with almost twice as likely to feel lonely compared to those over 65.
The advisories suggest various steps that the government can take to address the mental health needs of children. One recommendation that will be presented is the creation of tech-free zones and the promotion of in-person friendships among children. Additionally, responsible social media behavior should be modeled, school-based mental health programs should be strengthened, and more investment should be made in hiring school counselors and social workers.
For more information about the upcoming presentation, visit the provided link: [insert link here].
