This month, the CDC released results from the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (ABES), the first national survey analyzing the wellbeing of high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report shows how high school students’ mental health has worsened with 37.1% reporting poor mental health during the pandemic. A sense of school connectedness to peers and adults – even virtually – was identified as a protective factor against poor mental health, feelings of hopelessness, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. The report highlights the pivotal role schools can play in supporting youth mental health outcomes and calls for increased support. To learn more, see the reports from the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey.