Kids & Mental Health
Empowering kids with skills to manage their emotions and build resiliency.
Growing up can be hard on a young person of any generation, but today’s kids and teens are facing an ever-evolving pandemic, civil unrest and racial inequality, school shootings, social pressures online and systemic inequities that create barriers to success.
It’s no surprise that young people are feeling stressed.
About 20% of young people ages 3 to 17 in the U.S. have a mental, emotional, development or behavioral disorder.
Protecting Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory
Mental health and wellness are just as important as physical health and fitness and can impact our participation in and enjoyment of life. And for kids and teens, it’s critical to nurture mental health and address any mental health concerns early – as 50% of lifelong mental health conditions start by age 14.
Clubs equip young people with the skills they need to manage their emotions and build resiliency so they can engage in every opportunity that comes their way. Trained, caring staff know that the key is to establish a trusting relationship and open dialogue that help staff and youth recognize changes in thoughts, feelings and behaviors, as well as know when to get help.
Here are resources for parents and caregivers to have important conversations about mental health with the young people in your life, as well as recognize warning signs:
Talking with Your Child About Mental Health
If you have a concern about your child’s mental health, reach out to your child’s doctor first and they will make a referral to a mental health professional. Read More →
Is My Child OK? Warning Signs of Stress
Feeling worried about your child's well being? Learn how to spot the physical signs and emotional symptoms of stress in kids and how you can help. Read More →
Addressing Mental Health Concerns with Compassion
Initiate a direct conversation if you notice warning signs that your child may need additional mental or emotional support. Read More →
Keeping Kids Safe: Preventing Youth Suicide
Signs of suicidal thoughts or actions should never be ignored or taken lightly. Read More →
Talking About Social Media with Your Child
Dove and Boys & Girls Clubs of America team up to educate young people about having a positive relationship with social media. Read More →
Mental Health: Spotting the Warning Signs
Warning signs to look for that indicate kids may need additional support. Read More
Commitment to Safety
Raptor is a visitor management system that enhances the Club's security by reading a visitor's drivers’ license (or other approved government issued ID), comparing information against a sex offender database to alert school administrators and District police if a match is found. Once cleared through the system, a visitor badge is produced that includes a photo, name of the visitor, date & time, and destination.
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