WASHINGTON, D.C. (KELO.com) — The CDC released new data revealing teen girls are experiencing record levels of sadness and violence. According to the report, 57% of U.S. teen girls in 2021 reported feeling “persistently sad or hopeless”, the highest rate in the last decade. That’s nearly double the rate for teen boys, 29%. 1 in 5 teen girls experienced sexual violence in the same timeframe, and 1 in 3 considered suicide. The CDC says the report “raises urgency to invest in schools as a vital lifeline to help struggling youth”. Dr. Debra Houry, the CDC’s Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Director for Program and Science said, “High school should be a time for trailblazing, not trauma. These data show our kids need far more support to cope, hope, and thrive.” Overall, more than 40% of high school students admitted to feelings of sadness or hopelessness that prevented them from regular activities for at least two weeks.
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