Studies have shown that depression increases during teen years. One out of every 13 high school students has attempted suicide and at least half of children with mental illness do not get treatment. When schools closed across the U.S. in mid-March of 2020, it separated students from other students, along with advisors, teachers, and other adults at school. Additionally, for many students, school was the only place to get mental health services. Wenimo Okoya is a health education researcher and program director. She is head of high school implementation for the Jed Foundation. The organization helps schools nationally develop programs to support mental health and prevent suicide. Okoya says research has not yet linked teen suicides to the school closures. But she says social connections are hugely important for students.