The Biden Administration is advising schools to put mental health at the center of their return to in-person learning. 

The Biden Administration is advising schools to put mental health at the center of their return to in-person learning. This week, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona released guidance backed by a seven-point plan on how schools can properly address students’ mental health needs. The plan features recommendations and resources for prioritizing wellness for students and staff (like blocking off time for “mental upkeep” or participating in mental health screenings), and how to reduce stigma related to mental health while integrating education and care. Cardona stressed that mental health shouldn’t just be an add-on to students’ education, but an essential part of their everyday learning. YPulse’s State of Mind trend research shows that 64% of Gen Z and 51% of Millennials say their mental health has or will be impacted negatively by the pandemic, and mental health issues are one of the biggest problems these gens say they’re facing today. (Teen Vogue)