Cathy Vatterott, author of “The Teens Are Not Alright,” argues that schools are merely addressing the visible signs of student stress—such as anxiety and burnout—while ignoring the underlying causes. She points to systemic pressures like high-stakes testing, social media, and the relentless pace of modern education that drive students to exhaustion. Vatterott calls for a deeper examination of these root factors, urging educators and policymakers to rethink curricula, support structures, and cultural expectations to truly safeguard teenagers’ mental health.
Cathy Vatterott, author of “The Teens Are Not Alright,” believes schools are treating the symptoms of student stress instead of looking at the real problem.
