We must invest in our kids' mental health
Students in crisis who struggle socially and emotionally tend to isolate and suppress the hardships they suffer internally, a reader writes. Credit: iStock
As a school social worker on Long Island, I see firsthand how young people struggle more than ever before.
Depression and anxiety have increased fivefold in this post-pandemic world. Self-harm and suicidal ideation grow at alarming rates. Students in crisis who struggle socially and emotionally tend to isolate and suppress the hardships they suffer internally.
As a society, we cannot allow our children to fall through the cracks [“LI school districts plan average tax hike of 2.67%,” News, March 25].
As a 12-year-old, I experienced an emotional earthquake when my father died. But a series of professionals — teachers, coaches and guidance counselors — guided me through the turmoil, awakened me to my potential and responsibility to make a difference for others who suffered as I did, and taught me how to fight for students and families.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and our leaders in Albany and Washington must invest in our children’s mental health and fully fund our future.
In addition, school districts should hire more guidance counselors, social workers and school psychologists so today’s students can receive the help that they need, as I fortunately did in my formative years.
— Eli Tricoche, Brentwood
The article about school districts’ rate hikes is alarming as well as annoying. Spending must be controlled. I was a resident in the Middle Country school district for 44 years. Years of overspending and waste need to be reined in.
A good example of the waste is the recent installation of a multimillion-dollar AstroTurf soccer field. For 40 years, the grass fields served their purpose satisfactorily without the cost and associated maintenance of turf.
Our school administrators need to understand that the budget “for work” must be like a home budget — live with what you have and be frugal with the money as if it were your own.
— John Albanese, Stony Brook
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