The CDC report shows that US teen girls are experiencing record levels of sadness and violence. Data released Monday shows three in five or over 57% of teen girls felt sad or hopeless in 2021. That's two times more than teen boys and the highest level reported over the past decade. The report also shows increased sexual violence and suicide risk among teen girls.

The CDC looked holistically at boys and girls to address these findings. Specifically, sexual violence." if a child is experiencing violence, they are more likely to have mental health symptoms, use substances and feel disconnected from daily life and support systems. We need to address all parts of mental health, specifically regarding the sense of sadness and hopelessness”.

The CDC report surveyed pre-pandemic incidents and noted the pandemic exacerbated increased sexual violence. Sexual violence affects the female segment of the population at a much higher rate than their male counterparts, which can cause teen girls to feel sadder and more hopeless than boys. Contributing factors included social isolation, social media usage for self-image, and bullying at school. There is no single reason for this trend, but multiple factors are likely affecting our teenage female population. When the report took a more profound look into suicide, it found increases in attempted suicide or wanting to make a suicide plan among teen girls.  At particular risk are LGBTQ+ youth in general.  

What is the difference between girls and boys in relation to sadness and why? 

What's striking and devastating is that nearly 10% of girls attempted suicide, and 20% of our LGBTQ+  youth attempted suicide. The CDC also discovered that boys were more likely to feel connected to school and have more social support in place. Conversely, girls were at greater risk for suicide attempts if they reported more social isolation and more mental health symptoms and/or trauma experiences.  

 What can parents do when learning from this report and recognize the signs to begin the conversation with teens? 

• Be open and nonjudgmental, so your child is comfortable coming to you to discuss their challenges and concerns.

• Look for signs or changes in appetite or sleep apart from the usual teenage changes. 

• It is essential not only to talk with your child, but also to know their friends and friends’ parents, have open communication with the other adults and peers around your child, and be aware of your child’s activities, involvements and their support system to have a good sense of what your is involved in daily.  Accountability is key.   

Can parents rely on schools and teachers to be part of the solution by teaching life skills, managing conflict, and defining healthy relationships?

• Support teaching comprehensive health education and connecting students to health, their doctors, and mental healthcare. Encourage teens to reach out to a school counselor or make a call to 800-662-4357 (this is the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline available 24/7/365) or call/text 988 if they are concerned about a peer or themselves (this is the national suicide prevention hotline that is also available 24/7/365).