by Shreeya Gogia, Texas high school student
As a student, I know full well that our loudest cries often fall on deaf ears. I’m not the only one who thinks so. Only 11% of high school students report their opinion is represented “a great deal” at the federal level and nearly two-thirds of 12 to 17 year olds say politicians and elected officials do not reflect the needs and experiences of young people.
These disheartening statistics highlight a glaring gap in our democratic process.
At a time when mental health challenges among students are at an all-time high, the absence of student voices in policymaking is not just an oversight; it's a deep-rooted failure. Students are on the front lines of the mental health epidemic, yet our perspectives are the least consulted in the creation of policies to address it. It's clear that students urgently need a leading voice in policies meant to meet our needs.
At a time when mental health challenges among students are at an all-time high, the absence of student voices in policymaking is not just an oversight; it's a deep-rooted failure.
In response to the times, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) announced the formation of a National Student Council. This council will give students a significant voice in the democratic process, ensuring our insights and experiences influence the decisions that impact us the most.
This initiative marks a pivotal step toward rectifying the lack of student engagement and representation, especially in areas as crucial as mental health.
Shreeya Gogia. Photo courtesy of the author
As a facilitator of NASSP’s Student Leadership Network on mental health, I work with hundreds of students across the country to support their well-being. I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the mental health crisis on my peers.
The stories are heart-wrenching and all too common: a promising student-athlete contemplating suicide after a career-ending injury, believing they are now worthless; a high-achieving student breaking down under the pressure of isolation and academic stress, resorting to self-harm as a cry for help; and many others feeling so overwhelmed that they cannot find the will to attend school, their suffering compounded by the stigma of mental health issues.
One story, in particular, stands out: a close classmate struggled silently with severe depression; their condition unnoticed until it was nearly too late. Despite glaring warning signs — missed assignments, withdrawal from friends, unexplained absences — complicated policies and limited resources failed to meet my friend's immediate needs or the root causes of their distress. Their plight is a stark reminder of the consequences of limiting students’ abilities to advocate for themselves.
Related: 'On Our Minds' teen mental health podcast collection
Yet, when students are part of the solution, there is hope. Students know firsthand that they need more flexibility and ownership in addressing their well-being. Work2BeWell, a youth mental health advocacy organization in Oregon that I partner with, worked with students to successfully advocate for legislation allowing students to take two mental health days off school each year.
By authentically engaging students like me, elected officials in Oregon legitimized students’ experiences and allowed us to be open about and take care of our mental health needs. While I wish my friend could have benefited from this policy, I take comfort in knowing that student voices can lead to meaningful change and provide a blueprint for other states and school districts to follow.
Students must play a role in developing solutions that genuinely address our needs. I urge policymakers, educators and school administrators to actively seek out and incorporate our perspectives. Collaborating with student leaders, whether those from your student council or the National Student Council, will foster environments where students feel valued and heard and lead to more effective policies.
Students must play a role in developing solutions that genuinely address our needs. I urge policymakers, educators and school administrators to actively seek out and incorporate our perspectives.
Related: Educator Voice: The youth mental health crisis — What teachers need to know
These conversations can’t be in isolation. To my fellow students, stop in the halls to ask someone about their day or reach out to someone new. I encourage you to share your stories, check in on others and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.
Your voice matters, and if we come together, we can make a difference. Get involved with your student council to push for school policies that support your mental health. And as the National Student Council takes shape, take advantage of opportunities to share your voice on a national scale.
Educators, remember to foster an environment where students feel comfortable discussing their issues and be open about accommodations you are willing to make. Administrators, please find a way for students to make their voices heard and feel valued.
It's time for all of us to come together, listen to students and work towards solutions that truly reflect our needs and realities. Together, we can create a more inclusive, empathetic and effective approach to supporting the mental health of students nationwide.
Shreeya Gogia is an NASSP Student Leadership Network on Mental Health facilitator, a National Association of Student Councils member and a senior at Carroll Senior High School in Southlake, Texas.
