Children and teens have experienced unique challenges over the last several years – from social isolation and social media to increased violence in schools. But life events are only part of the equation, as more than half of all serious mental illnesses begin before age 14, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. 

Recent data from the American Psychological Association also showed that: 

• Nearly 20% of children and young people ages 3-17 in the United States have a mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral disorder 

• Suicidal behaviors among high school students increased more than 40% in the decade before 2019 

• Youth are experiencing rates of anxiety and depression that are double what they were before the pandemic 

Employers can’t afford to overlook this crisis because when a child is experiencing a mental health concern, there’s a parent who is struggling, too. Many employees are personally impacted and need help navigating the increased mental health challenges facing their children and teens. 

“Youth mental health can have a significant impact on working parents, and in various ways,” explained Dr. Joel Axler, MD, FAPA, Partner and National Mental Health Leader at Brown & Brown, in a recent Coffee with CuraLinc episode. “Parents can feel somewhat inadequate at times, and this leads to a sense of helplessness, guilt and frustration.” 

Fortunately, there’s a lot that a properly designed employee assistance program can do to support employees who have a child in need of mental health care. But first, let’s discuss what’s contributing to the youth mental health crisis. 

Common and emerging stressors for children and teens 

Major traumatic events like war, violence and natural disasters can be detrimental to youth mental health, whether they’re experienced directly or indirectly, as well as chronic stressors and ongoing disruption to daily routines like we saw during the pandemic.  

However, it’s often the daily stressors, or their cumulative effects over time, that can overwhelm a child’s ability to cope: 

• Moving to a new home  

• Changing schools  

• Birth of a sibling  

• Loss of a loved one   

• Bullying  

• Parental divorce or separation  

• Taking on more responsibility than is age-appropriate   

The impact of social media on teen mental health 

Research published in the Journal of Adolescence found that loneliness among teenagers rose between 2012 and 2018. The pandemic that followed increased these feelings and many studies show that the effects of prolonged social isolation are still lingering. Mental Health America recently found that more than two-thirds of youth aged 11-17 feel stressed about loneliness. And while many young people turn to social media to connect with others, the lack of in-person relationships and prevalence of troubling content has added an additional layer to the challenges children and teens face. The American Psychological Association’s (APA) Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence found that social media is related to psychological harm through online discrimination, prejudice, hate and cyberbullying. The advisory also points out how specific features, such as endless scrolling, “like” buttons and recommended content can impact brains that are not yet fully developed – through loss of sleep, decreased physical activity, poor body image and more. 

“We need to provide strong resources for social support and encourage a healthy balance between offline and online interactions,” says Dr. Axler. “Constant exposure to an idealized lifestyle can contribute negatively and it sets up feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem and anxiety.” 

Top presenting concerns for children and teens 

CuraLinc data collected from 2021-2023 showed that 4.4% of EAP participants were children 12 or under. Among this age group, anxiety was the top presenting concern followed by adjustment/stress and behavioral problems. 

Data also showed that 5.6% of EAP participants are teens, aged 13-19. Anxiety was the top presenting concern among this age group, followed by adjustment/stress and depression. 

Common barriers to care  

Children and teens experience some of the same barriers to care as adults, such as shame, embarrassment or simply not knowing where to turn for help. However, these issues are compounded by unique challenges facing these age groups. Some of the most common barriers to care facing younger people include:  

• Shortage of resources specifically created with children and teens in mind 

• Lack of providers willing to work with these age groups  

• Avoidance of therapy due to the stigma  

• Traveling to and from appointments can be time-consuming for children and parents alike 

How your EAP can support children and teens 

An effective EAP offers a wide variety of treatment options and resources for children and teens. At CuraLinc, we understand there is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health care. That’s why we offer multiple modalities and resources to support these populations. 

In the moment support  

Starting a conversation about mental health with their child can be daunting for parents. That's why CuraLinc offers in-the-moment support, providing guidance for parents unsure how to broach the subject or manage a crisis. Our counselors are adept at helping parents de-escalate situations and provide constructive support to their children during challenging times. 

Care navigation for every child’s needs 

Navigating the complex mental health care system can be overwhelming, especially when seeking care for children with specific needs. Our dedicated care navigation services ensure families have access to a wide network of providers and treatment modalities, helping to reduce common barriers to care and connecting people to the most effective and age-appropriate support and resources for their needs.

Whether it's locating a child psychiatrist for common conditions like ADHD or connecting families with specialized care for eating disorders or developmental disabilities, our team is committed to facilitating the process. We work closely with parents to understand their child's needs and preferences, providing personalized recommendations and support throughout their mental health journey. Our goal is to make the navigation process as seamless as possible, ensuring that every child receives the high-quality care they deserve. 

Fast access to high-quality mental health care and resources  

Preferences for mental health care delivery vary among families just as they do among individuals. While many parents choose in-person counseling for their children (77% for children under 12; 69% for teens 13-17), others may prefer alternative options. CuraLinc offers fast access to a range of modalities, including video counseling and text therapy, ensuring flexibility and convenience without compromising quality. Moreover, our commitment to holistic support extends beyond the child, as we also recognize the importance of assessing and addressing parental mental health needs. By connecting parents with resources that cater to their wellbeing, we foster a supportive environment conducive to the entire family's mental health and resilience. 

Work-life services 

When a child or teen experiences mental health challenges, it can be difficult for parents to balance life and work. Your EAP provider can help lighten the load by providing referrals for things like dependent care, financial consultations and relocation, among other things. CuraLinc is proud to offer additional support to help reduce and manage other challenges that arise in everyday life. Our convenient access and navigation to other helpful resources is another form of personalized care to ensure the entire family feels supported during difficult times.   

 

Additional resources 

Coffee with CuraLinc | Supporting the Entire Employee: Helping Parents Navigate Youth Mental Health  

Watch this 15-minute webinar to understand the substantial rise in teen mental health challenges, as well as the clinical and sub-clinical resources CuraLinc offers to support adolescents.