Congressional committee details the range of benefits school meal programs provide

Investing in school meal programs not only supports children’s well-being and combats food insecurity for the estimated 3.3 million households in which children face food insecurity nationwide, it also boosts the economy, according to a report released in August by the U.S. Congress Joint Economic […]

National Suicide Prevention Month: CSBA expert shares the effects of bullying and cyberbullying

Research suggests that youth who experience bullying and/or cyberbullying may be more at risk for suicidal thoughts. In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, Angela Asch, CSBA principal research manager and author of the Safe Schools Toolkit section on bullying and cyberbullying, is sharing relevant insights and resources for local educational agencies in this Q&A.   

Report spotlights need to continue social-emotional services even after federal pandemic funding ends

With Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds that have been essential to local educational agencies’ efforts to support students’ mental health and academic needs running dry, a report by EdTrust calls on state leaders to take stock of what worked and prioritize using […]

CDC survey on youth risk behaviors shows increase in teens experiencing violence

A new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention summarizes results from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey and compares it to data from the last decade on topics including mental health, substance use, sexual behavior and experiences with violence, as well as new and emerging issues like social media use and housing instability.

CDC finds differences in teen and parent perceptions of social-emotional supports

The latest national health statistics report, which reviewed perceived social and emotional support among teenagers, was released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in July. Covering the timespan between July 2021 and December 2022, the report analyzed self-reported feelings of 12- to 17-year-olds, compared teens’ perspectives to those of parents and identified disparities in health and well-being outcomes depending on the level of support received.

Federal task force recommendations seek holistic solutions to promote online safety for young people

The Biden Administration’s Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force released a report on July 22 identifying key risks and benefits of online platforms and digital technologies to young people’s health, safety and privacy. The document, “Online Health and Safety for Children and Youth: Best […]

National, state data on children’s well-being highlighted in report

California ranked in the bottom third of states in measures of children’s well-being, according to the 2024 Kids County Data Book, which details state trends on the topic. The annual report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation compares data from 2019, before the pandemic, to 2022 as COVID restrictions were easing. By presenting 15 indicators related to well-being, education, health and family and community, the organization aims to ensure all students have what they need to meet academic milestones.

Report provides recommendations, resources to better school environments

Drawing upon a mix of qualitative and quantitative data, the 2024 Student Voice Report by Challenge Success, a nonprofit organization affiliated with Standford University’s Graduate School of Education, provides insight into a generation of high school students’ emotional and physical well-being, sense of belonging and engagement.