The last 18 months have had a devastating impact on child and adolescent mental health. As a result, many employees who are parents are actively managing the mental health needs of their children. Often, this is occurring even as they grapple with their own issues, making dedicated mental health support for the whole family one of the most valuable benefits employers can deliver to their people.

The start of the school year usually represents a period of transition that can be difficult to navigate under typical circumstances. Last year proved to be particularly challenging; more than 91% of the world's student population weren't able to attend school in person during the pandemic, according to UNICEF. With this disruption, activities critical to child and adolescent development were stopped in their tracks, blocking the interactions critical to emotional development, such as building relationships with peers.