b'4springtideresearch.org4springtideresearch.org8springtideresearch.org4While we dont underestimate the critical role of administrators and other educational While we dont underestimate the critical role of administrators and other educational leaders, the touchpoint that teachers have in the lives of students cannot be overstated While we dont underestimate the critical role of administrators and other educational leaders, the touchpoint that teachers have in the lives of students cannot be overstated when it comes to connection. Still, any trusted adult at school can make a difference:leaders, the touchpoint that teachers have in the lives of students cannot be overstated when it comes to connection. Still, any trusted adult at school can make a difference:when it comes to connection. Still, any trusted adult at school can make a difference:28%of people whoOnly 15%28%of people whoOnly 15%28%of people whoOnly 15%say they do have atof those who say they say they do have atof those who say they least one trusted adultdo not have at least say they do have atof those who say they least one trusted adultdo not have at least at school also say theyone trusted adult say least one trusted adultdo not have at least at school also say theythey feel likone trusted adult say feel like they belong at school ande they belong at school at school also say theyone trusted adult say feel like they belong at school and . they feel like they belong at school .people know who they are and people know who they arefeel like they belong at school andthey feel like they belong at school people know who they are. and people know who they are.people know who they are. and people know who they are.Even without scientific studies, many people understand the importance of social Even without scientific studies, many people understand the importance of social connections for mental health. Natalia, a 22-year-old young woman interviewed for Even without scientific studies, many people understand the importance of social connections for mental health. Natalia, a 22-year-old young woman interviewed for this report, captured what many of her peers indicated in both surveys and interviews connections for mental health. Natalia, a 22-year-old young woman interviewed for this report, captured what many of her peers indicated in both surveys and interviews about the importance of deep connection: Community gives you the sense of not this report, captured what many of her peers indicated in both surveys and interviews about the importance of deep connection: Community gives you the sense of not being so alone [even] in times that it apparently lookabout the importance of deep connection: Community gives you the sense of not s alone, like [when] theres no being so alone [even] in times that it apparently looks alone, like [when] theres no one around or my parents arent here. In that aspect, [my community] reminds me that s alone, like [when] theres no being so alone [even] in times that it apparently lookone around or my parents arent here. In that aspect, [my community] reminds me that I belong somewhere with these people who understand me and have seen me grow one around or my parents arent here. In that aspect, [my community] reminds me that I belong somewhere with these people who understand me and have seen me grow up. She describes how feeling that she belongs to a group or community, even when I belong somewhere with these people who understand me and have seen me grow up. She describes how feeling that she belongs to a group or community, even when she is alone, yields a positive experience of support for herbelongs to a group or community. , even when up. She describes how feeling that she she is alone, yields a positive experience of support for her.she is alone, yields a positive experience of support for her.Create a culture that is mental-health Create a culture that is mental-health Create a culture that is mental-health friendly for Gen Z.from the ground up.friendly for Gen Z.from the ground up.friendly for Gen Z.from the ground up.Young people need schools, homes, workplaces, and religious settings Young people need schools, homes, workplaces, and religious settings focused on encouraging mental health, not just responding to mental illness Young people need schools, homes, workplaces, and religious settings focused on encouraging mental health, not just responding to mental illness or crisis. Through our ongoing research on mental health, well show you how.focused on encouraging mental health, not just responding to mental illness or crisis. Through our ongoing research on mental health, well show you how.or crisis. Through our ongoing research on mental health, well show you how.Educators Faith Leaders Parents EmployersEducators Faith Leaders Parents EmployersEducators Faith Leaders Parents Employersspringtideresearch.org/gen-z-mental-health'