Recently the STRYV365 staffpresented to two of our partner schools, seeking board approval for our research study. This critical research will examine our program's effect on youth social-emotional skill building, resiliency, emotions, and behaviors. After hearing our presentation, both boards immediately motioned to approve this endeavor.  But this article from the NY Times, published after a Connecticut High School Board shut down plans for a mental health clinic to increase access to care for teens is a reminder that not every community embraces mental health treatment or the tenets of social-emotional learning. Many parents, policymakers, and school boards fear that teaching these mental health supporting skills contributes to indoctrination and overrides parents' deeply held ideological beliefs. Employing critical thinking means understanding both sides of an argument, and while this fear may be understandable, it is not supported by evidence. Research shows that when youth have skills such as self-awareness, and emotional regulation, when they can make responsible decisions, and most importantly, experience the safe, secure, and nurturing care of an adult, they grow to be happier adults. This means they will need less mental health care across their lifespan because they will have more stable relationships, sustainable employment, and enhanced citizenship. More and more, teens are recognizing their emotional state and asking for help. It’s up to us to start listening.

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