Mental Health Screening Survey Controversy

For our High School Civic Action Project, my friend and I are working on implementing a policy to improve mental health resources in public schools through mental health screenings. We are looking for community feedback and it would be greatly appreciated if you would take a few minutes to respond and provide us with your opinion on this issue.

Mental health screenings are 5-10 minute online questionnaires that inquire about symptoms related to depression, anxiety, drug use, and suicidal thoughts. The most common program is TeenScreen. Screening programs are used solely as a way to identify students who may have a mental health problem or who are at risk for developing one. After a student has been identified, the school can refer them to an outside mental health professional who can diagnose and treat them.

This is one of the only ways, if not the only way to successfully identify students suffering from a mental illness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 21%, or 1 in 5 children ages 13-18 have a seriously debilitating disorder. Mental disorders are a serious problem in the adolescent age group, and nothing is currently being done to address it. This problem is made more severe because teens tend not to reach out for help, and even the most loving, caring parents will not necessarily notice any signs or symptoms.

Questions for consideration:

1. What is your initial reaction to this controversy?

2. (If you're a parent) would you feel reassured by screenings? (to ensure that your child does not have a mental disorder or to identify it and seek treatment if they do)

3. Do you think it is essential for adolescents suffering from a mental disorder to seek treatment?

4. Do you feel that mental health screenings are an invasion of a student's privacy?

Thank you for your time and feedback!