The "OCMH Research News In Youth Mental Health - October 2025" newsletter summarizes key research findings across various topics:
- Mental Health & Well-being: The newsletter highlights high rates of mental health concerns among college students (37% reported accessing services), with notable rates of depression and anxiety. Separately, over half of mothers express worry about their children's mental health, citing cost and long waits as major barriers to care.
- Safety and Crisis: Research indicates that parent-owned guns, often stored unlocked, are the most common means in firearm suicides among children (ages 10-17). A dramatic increase in self-harm incidents involving common household items (like pain relievers and cold medicines) has also been reported among preteens (ages 11-12).
- Schools and Social Environment: Studies emphasize that school connectedness and anti-bullying climates empower students. While most K-12 schools report the pandemic still negatively impacts students' socioemotional development, new research suggests that school phone bans can lead to significant reductions in psychological distress and improved social connections.
- Systemic Factors: The 2021 temporary expansion of the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit was central to significantly reducing child poverty. Other reports cover the importance of culturally responsive mental healthcare, trends in child welfare, and state-level data on opioid overdose response. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine, systematic mental health screening from infancy through adolescence.