To: New York City Department of Education (DOE) and City Officials

As high school students, we face many challenges—academic pressure, social struggles, and, for many of us, mental health challenges. But finding the right resources when we need help isn't always easy. That’s why we are calling on the NYC Department of Education (DOE) and city officials to take an important step: Require all NYC public high schools to add the 988 Crisis Hotline onto student IDs.

The NYC Department of Education already supports 988 as a vital resource for mental health support. Now, it’s time to ensure that every student has direct and immediate access to this resource by adding it to student IDs.

What is 988? 988 is a nationwide, free, and confidential 24/7 hotline offering immediate mental health support, including crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and help for anxiety and depression. By adding this number to student IDs, we can ensure every NYC public high school student has direct access to life-saving help anytime they need it.

Why This Matters: Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet seeking help can be difficult. Adding 988 to student IDs would normalize mental health care, reduce stigma, and provide students with immediate access to professional support in times of crisis.

The Facts – Mental Health Challenges Among NYC Teens: Mental health challenges are widespread and increasing among NYC public high school students. In May 2024,  the City of New York's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) released a landmark report (The State of Mental Health of New Yokrers -- 2024 Landmark Report) on the state of mental health in NYC, highlighting significant concerns among teens.

• Depression & Anxiety: From 2011 to 2021, the percentage of NYC high school students reporting sadness or hopelessness rose from 27% to 38%. In 2023, 48% of teens reported depressive symptoms.
• Social Media & Cyberbullying: 90% of teens who use social media daily report general worry, with 84% worrying about their future, 70% fearing something bad will happen to them, and 66% worrying about something bad happening to their families.
• Discrimination: 35% of teens report racial or ethnic discrimination, and 24% feel discriminated against because of their age.
• LGBTQ+ Teens: LGBTQ+ teens face additional challenges, such as lower resilience and higher rates of bullying and discrimination, making them more vulnerable to mental health crises.
• Suicide Risk: The percentage of NYC teens considering suicide increased from 12% in 2011 to 16% in 2021.
• Lack of Access to Care: 24% of teens needed mental health care but didn’t receive it.
• Low Resilience: 30% of teens report low resilience, making them more vulnerable to mental health crises.

Why Adding 988 on Student IDs Will Help:

988 Saves Lives: In December 2024 alone, the 988 hotline answered 348,742 calls, 100,709 texts, and 83,744 chats, providing immediate, life-saving support to individuals in crisis. This demonstrates the hotline's effectiveness and ability to respond to mental health emergencies quickly.

Immediate Access: Students can reach out for support anytime, anywhere—at school, home, or beyond.

Reduce Stigma: Putting 988 on IDs will normalize mental health care, encouraging students to seek help without fear of judgment.

Encourage Action: With 988 visible on NYC public high school student IDs, students will feel empowered to take action when they or a friend need help.

The New York State Student Lifeline Act: On September 9, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Student Lifeline Act into law, requiring all public colleges in New York to add 988 to student IDs. This law goes into effect on July 1, 2025. It’s time to expand this support to NYC public high school students. 

Why Your Voice Matters: This petition is about making mental health support more accessible for all NYC public high school students. Adding 988 to IDs is a simple but powerful step toward providing immediate, lifesaving resources and reducing stigma.

Call to Action: Sign this petition to ensure every NYC public high school student has access to the 988 Crisis Hotline. Together, we can help make sure every student knows where to turn when they need help.

Let’s make this happen—one signature at a time!