Feb 1, 2020, Axios: Some schools give mental health days as young Americans' suicide rate rises https://www.axios.com/school-mental-health-days-students-4891ca2c-5c78-4a68-bf90-c7a541495ea0.html States and school districts around the country are passing legislation to allow students to take mental health days as young people struggle with depression and anxiety, the Washington Post reports. Why it matters: The changes come as the suicide rate among young people continues to rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported suicide was the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-24 in 2017. The state of play: There are currently legislative proposals in California, New York and Florida to provide students mental health dates, per the Post. • Minnesota was the first state to pass a bill in 2009 saying excused absences may be for mental-health reasons. • Oregon and Utah also already allow students to take days off for mental health reasons. • The Montgomery County school district in Virginia recently announced it will allow mental health be used for excused absences.
Childhood Lost
Children today are noticeably different from previous generations, and the proof is in the news coverage we see every day. This site shows you what’s happening in schools around the world. Children are increasingly disabled and chronically ill, and the education system has to accommodate them. Things we've long associated with autism, like sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, anxiety and lack of social skills, are now problems affecting mainstream students. Blame is predictably placed on bad parenting (otherwise known as trauma from home).
Addressing mental health needs is as important as academics for modern educators. This is an unrecognized disaster. The stories here are about children who can’t learn or behave like children have always been expected to. What childhood has become is a chilling portent for the future of mankind.
Loss of Brain Trust features over 9,000 news stories published worldwide since January, 2017
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