NEWS

Rising Numbers Unmet Needs: Immigrant Newcomers in Massachusetts High Schools

Educational Opportunity in Massachusetts is a long-standing research-practice partnership between researchers at the Annenberg Institute at Brown University and the Massachusetts Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education and Higher Education. Our work analyzes how students progress through the state’s K-16 education system and into the workforce, with a specific focus on providing evidence to inform policy and practice in the Commonwealth. We use rich longitudinal data to explore students’ backgrounds in nuanced ways, including by race/ethnicity, first language spoken at home, immigrant status, and country of origin. Recent and ongoing lines of inquiry include the equity consequences of high-stakes exit exams, the impact of state policies and the pandemic on students’ educational outcomes, how schools affect economic opportunity for students living in poverty, and the experiences of immigrant newcomers in Massachusetts.

High Potency Marijuana Carries Health Risks

As states have legalized and commercialized marijuana, the plant that got hippies high in the 1960s has morphed into high-potency plants and extracts that can have greater highs — and more harmful side effects.

High School Kids Who Use Weed, Alcohol Face Higher Risks for Suicidal Thoughts

High school students who smoke, drink or use weed are more likely to be emotionally troubled and have suicidal thoughts, a new study finds.

Family support vital to prevent teen substance use in border regions, study says

Comprehensive Pain and Addiction Center researchers surveyed teens on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border and found that strong family support can prevent children from using alcohol or drugs.

Moving Upstream: Opportunities in School Mental Health

Five opportunities fundamental to leveraging this unparalleled moment in school mental health to promote mental health and well-being for all youth.

Schools are struggling to meet rising mental health needs, data shows

Ask most teachers or principals about the mental health of their students this year, and they will tell you stories of how much worse things are than normal: More fights in the hallway. Students unable to focus in class. Depression and sadness.

Advocates fear suspensions could add to pandemic pain for vulnerable students

Ask most teachers or principals about the mental health of their students this year, and they will tell you stories of how much worse things are than normal: More fights in the hallway. Students unable to focus in class. Depression and sadness.

Suspended students more likely to get caught up in juvenile justice system, and vice versa

Researchers found that for every suspension a student faces, they are 7% more likely to have contact with the juvenile justice system. Once those students return to school, they are 20% more likely to be suspended.

State AGs open investigation into Instagram's effect on teens

Officials want to know if Instagram is hurting its youngest users.

FCC Approves Texting to 988 to Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) text message line, 988 three-digit dialing code, will take effect by July 16, 2022.

If you're struggling and need someone to listen, please, call 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).

Advisory: Prescription Stimulant Misuse Among Youth and Young Adults

This Advisory reviews the evidence on prescription stimulant misuse among youth and young adults. It establishes prescription stimulant misuse as a public health problem, identifies associated risk and protective factors, and provides programs and action steps for stakeholders to prevent misuse.

SBIRT in Schools | Massachusetts Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (MASBIRT)

See the iDECIDE Overview featured on the MA SBIRT website!

Drug overdose deaths hit highest number ever recorded, CDC data shows

Drug overdose deaths rose by close to 30% in the United States in 2020, hitting the highest number ever recorded, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Wednesday.

Supporting our Educators: Sharing Struggles and Solutions

Dr. Stuart Ablon, iDECIDE Advisory Board member and Director of Think:Kids, a program at Massachusetts General Hospital's Department of Psychiatry, convened educators and administrators to discuss the growing concern around and potential solutions to children's post-pandemic challenging behaviors and lagging skills in school.