Mental Health
‘We’re basically pushers:’ How a battle over kids on social media is unfolding in two California courtrooms
Lawsuits in California federal and state court are unearthing documents embarrassing to tech companies — and may be a tipping point into federal regulation.
Mississippi lawmakers push bills to ban cellphone use in schools
Concerns about youth mental health have fueled policies to ban or restrict students from using cellphones in schools.
Report card finds ‘room for improvement’ in states’ school cell phone policies
Just two states — North Dakota and Rhode Island — have implemented what several groups described as a “gold standard” bell-to-bell policy. Others have more work to do.
Removal of LGBTQ+ option from 988 hotline is straining overburdened Texas crisis centers
The groups that operate Texas’ 988 system face a convergence of challenges this year, from expiring federal money to heavier workloads since the Trump administration eliminated the special option for LGBTQ youth.
AI therapy chatbots draw new oversight as suicides raise alarm
Despite Trump efforts to override state laws, legislators press ahead.
NJ bill targets social media companies promoting diet products to children
A bill sponsor said social media companies must have safeguards in place to protect young users from content that promotes eating disorders.
New California law forces chatbots to protect kids’ mental health
California Gov. Gavin Newsom approved mandatory monitoring and reminders when kids use chatbots. Child advocates backed a different bill.
Bipartisan bill seeks to reinstate national suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth
In July, Trump cut LGBTQ+ youth services for 988, the suicide crisis hotline that launched in 2022.
Psychology experts call for AI age controls and chatbot tailoring
Experts testified before Congress about their concerns with artificial intelligence’s presence in mental health practices, particularly among adolescents and children.
Idaho’s parental consent law impedes 988 suicide crisis hotline access for some youth
Mental health advocates say state law requiring parental consent for medical treatment provided to children limits care they can legally provide.
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Teachers are happy with cellphone bans; students are more ambivalent
With cellphone bans, teachers have reported less stress, better ability to manage their classrooms and social benefits for their students, according to new research.
The National Suicide Hotline for LGBTQ+ youth went dead. States are scrambling to help.
Advocates say mental health issues are rising in that population amid hostility from the Trump administration.
How much is your NYC school getting for state’s new cellphone ban?
With New York’s new ‘bell-to-bell’ ban, New York City schools are getting a cash infusion for cellphone storage. Find out how much each school is getting.
Wyoming cops add remote counselors to some mental health-related calls
With a $2.4 million grant, a growing number of sheriffs and police departments will try telehealth for some of their most challenging encounters.
Texts to 988 hotline must now be georouted to local crisis centers
The Federal Communications Commission approved rules requiring wireless providers to route texts to the mental health line based on their origin, rather than area code.
The AI therapist will see you now: Can chatbots really improve mental health?
COMMENTARY | Mental health chatbots promise therapy at your fingertips, but can AI ease anxiety and depression, or are we confusing conversation with care?
Report: LGBTQ+ rural teens find more support online than in their communities
For many rural teenagers, online spaces provide support and community they can’t find in real life. The research found these online resources having a positive effect on the mental health of LGBTQ+ rural teens.
The challenges of tackling too much screen time
Excessive smartphone and social media use may harm youth, but are blanket school bans a feasible solution?
Inside Illinois’ journey to build a centralized platform for child welfare services
A digital transformation among six child welfare agencies in Illinois is helping to break down silos and connect families with the mental and behavioral health services they need.
Iowa governor signs statewide ban on cellphones in class
The law requires school boards adopt a policy that, at minimum, bans the use of cellphones in class beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.
