CHARACTER-FOCUSED SOLUTIONS TO THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS FACING OUR TEENS Mann Rentoy, International Champion for Character of Character.Org for 2022 email us at catalystpds@gmail.com www.characterconferences.com

1. Social media and the smartphone
“Gloom and doom” narratives
Academic achievement pressure
Parenting styles
Recent studies have shown that almost one-third of teen girls in the United States
(30%) have seriously considered suicide. The research also reveals that boys are
experiencing significant increases in loneliness and hopelessness. Alarmingly, our
nation’s young people are experiencing record levels of anxiety and depression.
The Character.org board, staff, and our advisory council have identified four root
causes underlying this mental health crisis:
Fifty-five different studies have shown that frequent use of social media triggers
“social comparison” emotions in all people and are particularly harmful to a young
person's mental health."
Online clicks are filling our teens with a variety of doomsday narratives, ranging
from the death of democracy and unstoppable climate change to spiraling
poverty and inequality. Researchers have shown that these sensationalist,
hyperbolic narratives are producing a generation of pessimistic teens who believe
they have no agency.
The trend toward colleges no longer requiring the SAT or ACT for undergraduate
admissions has caused what one expert calls a “teen-anxiety firestorm.” Students
who obsess over their GPA sleep less and have significantly less leisure time.
Startlingly, students in the United States now study more hours per week than the
permitted legal working hours for adult employees.
Decades of research show that young people tend to be remarkably resilient to
adverse experiences. Yet too many parents overprotect their teens, setting up
their children to be more easily damaged or discouraged when they hit a bumpy
road that their parents can’t fix.
CHARACTER-FOCUSED SOLUTIONS TO THE
MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS FACING OUR TEENS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
POSITION STATEMENT
May 2023
Contact: John Kabashinski
john@character.org - 202-642-9928

2. TO COMBAT THIS CRISIS, CHARACTER.ORG CALLS ON
ALL PARENTS, EDUCATORS, COACHES,
RELIGIOUS LEADERS AND MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
TO EMPHASIZE FOUR CHARACTER-FOCUSED SOLUTIONS:
Reinforce the Importance of Hope and Purpose
Introduce the language of purpose, so teens understand why it is important for
them to develop a future-minded mindset.
Encourage young people to “find their purpose” based on their interests and
character strengths, emphasizing that one’s purpose differs from choosing a
career.
Provide opportunities for every teen to explain in their own words how they are
in control of their own future (captain of their ship).
Introduce the language of positive relationships, so teens understand why it is
important to build a meaningful relationship with a caring adult.
Provide opportunities for every teen to explain in their own words how a caring
adult is helping them become their best possible self.
Explain why daily gratitude affirmations improve health and lower stress and
anxiety.
Encourage young people to notice and appreciate the good things in their lives.
Provide opportunities for young people to explain their gratitude practice,
whether it’s writing in a “gratitude journal” or a specific ritual of gratitude.
1.
Research has demonstrated the significant benefits that emerge when teens have
purpose.
2. Ensure that Every Young Person Has At Least One Meaningful and Supportive
Relationship with a Caring Adult
Research shows the benefits when young people have a caring adult in their life.
3. Emphasize the Practice of Gratitude
Research shows that gratitude doesn’t just feel good, gratitude is good for you.
Contact: John Kabashinski
john@character.org - 202-642-9928

3. Explain to young people that everyone has that “voice” in their heads constantly
telling them that no one likes them or that they can’t do anything right.
Demonstrate the steps young people can take to select a positive expression to
refute their negative self-talk.
Provide opportunities for young people to share with others the positive
expression they repeat to themselves and why this word or phrase has personal
meaning to them.
4. Teach and Model the Skills of Positive Self-Talk
Recent research has shown the benefits of positive self-talk
Conclusion
Character.org calls on our nation’s leaders to come together and combat this
epidemic of depression and suicidal ideation. Let’s help Americans of all ages feel
more connected, hopeful, and purposeful. Young people can be remarkably
resilient when they have the language, tools, and skills to use and leverage their own
character strengths.
NOTE: To learn more about the research cited above and what else Character.org is
doing to address the mental health of young people, please visit
www.character.org/mentalhealth.
Contact: John Kabashinski
john@character.org - 202-642-9928
Contact: John Kabashinski
john@character.org - 202-642-9928