John,

One of the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is the impact on youth mental health. For more than a year, school-aged kids have been dealing with major disruptions to their normal patterns of education, socialization, and emotional development.

It's a concern we shouldn't ignore -- and the good news is that we can take steps now to help young people who may be struggling.

Dr. Tamar Mendelson, a Bloomberg Professor of American Health and Director of the Center for Adolescent Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, offered her expert insights on the issue -- and what can be done to support young people -- for our Road to Recovery series.

Over time, we'll have a better understanding of how the pandemic has impacted young people. But we don't have to wait to know that we can make a difference for them.

It's vital to take action now, as Dr. Mendelson said: "Adolescence is such a time of change and malleability that if we are able to intervene and support young people, we can really enhance their capacities for coping and reduce or even prevent the prevalence of mental disorders."

Take a moment to watch now and learn more:

https://www.bloomberg.org/videos/helping-kids-manage-mental-health-during-covid/

Thanks,

Bloomberg Philanthropies