According to the World Health Organization, half of all mental health conditions start by age 14. Most cases go undetected and untreated until many years later - or sometimes not at all.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control show that more than a third of high school students reported they experienced poor mental health during COVID-19. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youths 15 to 29 years old. Depression, eating disorders, and substance use are common among this age group.
Wisconsin’s students report increases in anxiety, depression, self-harm, and decreases in finding the help they need:
The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey is an anonymous, voluntary survey of adolescents' health, safety and behaviors. It collects self-reported data on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of students.
Among key findings in Wisconsin's 2023 Report, 59% of high school students report they have experienced at least one mental health challenge over the past 12 months. Other key indicators show a growing crisis, including increases in:
These factors are universally worse for female students, students of color, LGBT students, and students experiencing food insecurity or low academic achievement.
Without Action, Mental Health Funding for Wisconsin’s Schools Will Be Cut in Half:
In the 2023-25 State Budget, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI)'s School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program was changed into per pupil aid for each of Wisconsin’ school districts and independent charter schools. Bipartisan support during the 2023-25 State Budget provided a one-time increase of $30M. But since aid is now awarded per pupil, this amounts to only $31 per student, and nearly half of Wisconsin’s school districts received less than $25,000 per year. Without action from Wisconsin’s Legislature, these allocations will be cut in half – dropping to $12/student in the 2025-27 State Budget.
Wisconsin Can Prioritize Teen Mental Health in the 2025-27 State Budget
The move to per pupil aid was an important step to support the mental health of all students in Wisconsin, but more must be done. To promote equity for all school districts, the state should establish a funding floor. This will help bring parity to Wisconsin’s smaller school districts, especially in rural areas which already experience a shortage of mental health professionals.
DPI recommends a minimum grant of $100,000 per district, and a new per pupil funding level of $100 per student. As reported by The Legislative Fiscal Bureau, the State of Wisconsin projects a $4.3 billion surplus in our state’s general fund at the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year. The State could fully fund DPI's recommendation and still have ample resources to address other priorities.
The Ask To Wisconsin’s Legislature:
Will you support the Department of Public Instruction’s recommended funding levels of $100,000 per district, and $100 per student in the 2025-27 State Budget?