May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to reducing stigma, encouraging open conversations, and supporting individuals who may be struggling with their mental health. One group that has received growing attention in recent years is teenagers. According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on youth mental health and social media, up to 95% of teenagers ages 13–17 report using at least one social media platform, and many teens report being

According to the Connecticut State Department of Education, the 2023–24 school year saw a 44% increase in physical and verbal confrontations, totaling more than 30,000 incidents statewide—an average of 166 per school day. Nearly 7% of all students faced suspension or expulsion during the same period.