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Here are some of the things we’ve been reading about this week:

APA highlights video content’s impact and the need for critical engagement.

How disparities in school budgets affect opportunities.

Efforts to reengage teens post-pandemic face systemic hurdles.

To read more, click on the following links.

Research & Practice

EdWeek: What Does Watching All Those Videos Do to Kids’ Brains?
The American Psychological Association released a report that highlights the impact of video content on adolescents, urging educators to be mindful of its effects. While video can be a powerful educational tool, it also poses risks, such as exposure to misinformation and harmful influences like social media influencers. Educators should teach students how to critically engage with digital media. Not all video content is harmful; uplifting and educational videos can enhance well-being, but students respond differently based on factors like personality and experiences. Schools should focus on the quality of content rather than blocking platforms. With emerging challenges, such as AI-generated videos and deepfakes, schools must also teach AI literacy and guide parents in fostering healthy tech habits. Overall, educators play a key role in helping students navigate the digital world responsibly.

The Lancet Psychiatry: Tracking the course of depressive and anxiety symptoms across adolescence (the CATS study)
A new study from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute reveals that nearly 75% of adolescents in Australia experience clinically significant depression or anxiety, often in a chronic form. The study tracked 1,239 children from Melbourne between ages 10 and 18 and found that 64% had symptoms multiple times during adolescence, with girls at higher risk. The onset of symptoms often coincided with educational stressors such as school transitions and exams, and three-quarters of those who struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic had prior symptoms. This study highlights the urgent need for preventive strategies to reduce the onset and chronicity of mental health issues, as current clinical resources may not suffice. Experts emphasize the importance of developing and evaluating preventive measures, as mental health challenges in adolescence can lead to long-term consequences.

The 74: Why School Police Officers May Not Be the Most Effective Way to Prevent Violence
The presence of police officers in schools has increased significantly, from 1% in 1975 to 44% today, largely due to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and events like the Columbine massacre. However, research shows that school resource officers (SROs) may not improve safety and can even harm students. SROs often cannot address the root causes of violence, such as mental health and behavioral issues, which are better managed by counselors. Their roles vary and are often unclear, and their presence can increase disciplinary actions that disproportionately affect minority students. Research shows that SROs are effective at detecting drug-related activity on campus and addressing violent crime related to gangs in schools, which can benefit students. Experts suggest a more holistic approach to reducing violence involving social workers, clear roles, and training for officers in child development and de-escalation.

Policy

The 74: Over 2 Billion Meals a Year: A Brief History of the School Breakfast Program
The School Breakfast Program has been a cornerstone of American education since its inception in 1966, addressing child hunger and boosting health and academic potential. While initially designed to serve children in rural areas, it expanded to cities under the advocacy of various civil rights organizations. This program was made permanent in 1975 and has grown to serve approximately 2.2 billion breakfasts in 2022, 97% were free or reduced-price. 

Many of the challenges related to supporting the School Breakfast Program are related to stigma, inconsistent operations and food waste. Yet various policy advancements show how adaptable this can be. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 improved nutrition standards and expanded access through the Community Eligibility Provision. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted temporary measures like take-home meals and financial support to address food insecurity during this time. Additionally, some states are implementing approaches like “breakfast after the bell” which has increased accessibility of free or reduced-price school meals.

EdWeek: Public Schools by the Numbers: How Enrollment, Funding, and More Changed in 2024
School funding disparities across the U.S. deeply impact students and schools, influencing access to quality education. Wealthier districts often provide significantly more resources per pupil than high-poverty areas, resulting in unequal opportunities. In states like Oregon, low-income districts receive thousands less in funding compared to affluent ones, limiting access to experienced teachers, modern facilities, and essential programs.

For students, these gaps can lead to larger class sizes, outdated materials, and fewer extracurricular opportunities. Declining enrollment in some states further strains budgets, reducing per-pupil funding and limiting schools’ ability to maintain staff or programs. While progressive funding models in 28 states aim to address these inequities, challenges remain. Infrastructure needs, as highlighted by $113.5 billion in voter-approved bonds in 2024, underscore the struggle to modernize schools amidst financial pressures. Ultimately, funding inequities can jeopardize students’ academic success, career readiness, and long-term outcomes, emphasizing the need for solutions that promote equal educational opportunity.

Education Commission of the States: State Policies to Support Education for Youth Impacted by the Justice System
Youth involved with the justice system face significant education challenges before, during, and after residential placement, including exclusionary discipline practices, inadequate educational opportunities, and fragmented reintegration processes. These systemic barriers hinder their academic progress and subsequent future success and life trajectory. State policymakers play a critical role in addressing these challenges by implementing coordinated, inclusive, and supportive education policies. Examples include Colorado’s 2024 legislation establishing a Justice-Engaged Student’s Bill of Rights, Connecticut’s reforms to expulsion processes and reentry planning, and Washington’s institutional education improvements. These policies emphasize interagency coordination, credit transfer processes, access to quality education, and individualized reentry support. Prioritizing education for youth involved with the justice system can help break the cycle of exclusion and incarceration, fostering academic success, career readiness, and personal growth for this vulnerable population.

Around the Nation

Chalkbeat: ‘The kids everyone forgot’: The faltering post-pandemic push to reengage teens and young adults not in school, college, or the workforce
Opportunity youth, aged 16 to 24, are not in school or employed and often face barriers like poverty, trauma, mental health issues, and unstable housing. These challenges, often worsened by COVID-19, can lead to poor outcomes such as low income, poor health, and difficulty forming stable relationships. Addressing their needs requires holistic, trauma-informed approaches focused on education, skills training, and social-emotional support to help them transition into stable careers. While efforts to reconnect them gained momentum during the Obama administration, outcomes were limited by fragmented programs and resources. In Detroit, organizations like Urban Neighborhood Initiatives (UNI) and SER Metro offer counseling, training, and career mentorship to help youth overcome these barriers. However, retention remains a challenge due to financial instability and systemic inequities. Federal reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act could improve funding and expand apprenticeships, but sustained support is crucial for long-term success.

The 74: How NYC Schools Exclusively Serving New Immigrants are Preparing for Trump
New York City’s Internationals Network for Public Schools, which serves immigrant students, is preparing for potential challenges under President-elect Trump’s second term. The network has supported the city’s increasing immigrant population, now dealing with the uncertainty of possible “mass deportations.” While local policies restrict ICE agents from entering schools, fears remain that these policies could be rolled back. The network is focusing on keeping schools welcoming and safe, informing families about their rights, and providing emotional support. They have always prepared families for potential separation and are working with legal partners to ensure students’ well-being. Despite concerns, the network remains hopeful, drawing strength from the resilience of immigrant families. Their priority is to maintain a supportive environment for students, ensuring they continue to pursue their dreams regardless of uncertainties.

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