Students press Sanders on loneliness and youth mental-health supports in rural Vermont

Several students raised loneliness, depression and suicide risk—especially in rural areas where small schools can limit social connections.

Sen. Sanders described the issue as part of a broader national mental-health crisis and said COVID exacerbated underlying problems. Students reported reduced attention spans, lack of school counselors and programs, and limited access to peers outside tiny graduating classes. "One of the things that I see with rural communities in Vermont is that the schools are so small... if you don't fit in with the group, you're kinda stuck there," a student said.

Students and Sanders discussed possible responses including consolidating schools to increase peer options, expanding in-school therapy programs, adding counselors and creating community activities (town meetings, clubs, music) to reduce isolation. Sanders urged students and communities to identify effective local supports and said his office would keep pressure on federal and state partners to increase resources.

No formal commitments to specific funding or legislation were announced in the session.