Today, children, adolescents, and young adults face a multitude of challenges that are different from prior generations. Many feel disconnected, lonely, and without clear direction in life. Currently, young people are being impacted by the pervasive influence of social media, limited access to quality mental health services, increased availability of substances, and a growing polarization in our communities and schools. Further, many have experienced educational setbacks due to the pandemic.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACES) are very common but can be highly impactful, particularly if they are frequent or repeated; or they occur during vulnerable periods of development such as adolescence; or they disrupt caregiving systems or attachment. Trauma can be a single event like a car accident or a prolonged experience such as chronic peer rejection.

Not every child reacts to the same events in the same way. For example, if two children experience the same traumatic event, one child may develop long-term stress while the other child does not. Similarly, individuals’ stress management skills vary considerably with one adolescent using substances to numb their feelings, another adolescent developing risky sexual behavior, and a third adolescent communicating their distress and seeking support.