To solve our mental health crisis, give more children equal access to play
LOS ANGELES (Aug. 23, 2022) – Learning loss, disengagement, anxiety and depression are soaring among young people, and our schools need a radical rethink to address this before the next academic year begins. A recent New York Times survey of 362 school counselors revealed that a pandemic-related loss of social-emotional learning skills continues to wreak havoc on students’ well-being. Ongoing Covid-19 disruptions and a record-high number of school shootings are exponentially adding to stress levels. Solutions are needed for this mounting mental health emergency before our window of opportunity closes.
About the LA84 Foundation
The LA84 Foundation is a nationally recognized leader in support of youth sport programs and public education about the role of sports in positive youth development. The foundation has supported thousands of Southern California youth sports organizations through grant making and funding facilities and fields of play, while also training coaches, commissioning research, convening conferences and acting as a national thought leader on important issues in the youth sports industry. LA84 levels the playing field to ensure all youth have access and opportunity despite economics, gender or ability, while elevating the field of youth sports as an integral pathway to lifelong well-being. To learn more, visit www.la84.org and @LA84Foundation on Twitter and Instagram.
About the Play Equity Fund
A 501(c)3 public charity, the Play Equity Fund was established by the LA84 Foundation in 2014 and is focused on bringing the transformational power of sport and play to all children, regardless of their race, gender, zip code or socioeconomic status. The Play Equity Fund achieves this by raising awareness of inequities, supporting the sports-based youth development ecosystem for greater impact, and developing partnerships to advocate for funding and sustainable solutions to ensure kids have access and opportunities to pathways for lifelong well-being. To learn more, visit PlayEquityFund.org, or @PlayEquityFund on Twitter and Instagram.