With students in turmoil, US teachers train in mental health first aid

Since the pandemic started, experts have warned of a mental health crisis facing American children that is now visibly playing out at schools across the country. Photos: A{

As Benito Luna-Herrera teaches his seventh grade social studies classes, he is on alert for signs of inner turmoil. And there is so much of it these days.

One of his 12-year-old students felt her world was falling apart. Distance learning had upended her friendships. Things with her boyfriend were verging on violent. Her home life was stressful.