*Content warning: Assault, Sexual Violence, Depression*
The CDC recently released data showcasing troubling trends among teen girls in the United States. The report states “nearly 3 in 5 (57%) U.S. teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021 — double that of boys, representing a nearly 60% increase.”
Pairing this with other data starts to show an even bigger (more troubling) picture:
30% have seriously considered an attempt at their own life
Sexual violence increased by 20% since the CDC began monitoring it in 2017
1 in 10 teen girls report having been forced to have sex (a 27% increase since 2019)
The CDC’s Chief Medical Office and Deputy Director for Program and Science, Debra Houry, M.D., M.P.H., seems to think the answer lies in investment — or, a lack thereof. “Proven school prevention programs can offer teens a vital lifeline in these growing waves of trauma.”
The teenage years serve a vital function for development, as teens begin to unravel the person “behind the curtain” of their own consciousness. Trauma prevents the ability to look inward and develop into the unique person these students are aching to be.
Investing in our children is investing in a brighter future forward where we can finally start reducing the trauma of simply existing and help them achieve realization. As you know, supporting youth – especially within our schools and other pro-social spaces is sorely needed – especially during a time of what is believed to be “militant apathy” amongst many students.