Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up

Schools rely on the results of mental health surveys to justify more resources for mental health services. In 1978, Congress passed the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, which prohibited schools from inquiring into eight areas: political affiliation, psychological problems of a student or student’s family, sex behavior or attitudes, illegal behavior, critical appraisal of family members, privileged communications between a student and therapist or priest, religious beliefs or practices, and family income. Meanwhile, surveys pry into these areas routinely. The court has allowed for such surveys provided they are voluntary and anonymous. Shrier argues that the practice demonstrates disrespect for the law and does damage to its participants.

In mental health assessments of students in middle school, there are extensive questions about suicide. The surveys refer to specific methods. Another survey asks about attempts to lose weight and provides specifics about possible measures taken. Such questions are suggestive to students and serve to normalize suicide. Other questions break and enter “the private, sacred zone of family” (147), asking children to report on their loved ones. They invite children to be critical of their relationship with parents and make them feel poorly. Trauma is depicted as rampant, and children are therefore inclined to view themselves as victims of it.