BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-7th District, recently hosted a community roundtable in Bridgewater to discuss childhood mental health and legislation aimed at improving mental health support for middle school students.
The discussion, held last week at the Bridgewater Township Municipal Building, brought together local leaders, parents, educators and community advocates in conjunction with the reintroduction of the Healthy Minds for a Better Future Act.
The proposed legislation would establish a task force involving the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services focused on mental health challenges facing middle school students.
“We must do everything we can to support the mental health of our children,” said Congressman Kean. “As a father, I understand that a parent’s greatest priority is ensuring their child’s well‑being. I was grateful for the opportunity to host this roundtable and bring together local leaders, parents, and school staff to hear directly about the challenges students face today. Conversations like these help us identify meaningful ways to support middle school students so they can thrive both academically and emotionally.”
Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench highlighted the challenges young people face, including social media, online bullying and everyday pressures.
“Our children are growing up in a world that presents challenges many of us never had to face at their age,” said Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench. “Between social media, online bullying, and the pressures of everyday life, too many young people are struggling in silence. As parents, educators, and community leaders, we have a responsibility to make sure every child knows they are valued, supported, and never alone. I appreciate Congressman Kean’s leadership in bringing attention to this important issue and working toward solutions that put the well-being of our children first.”
Lauren Becht, a parent and advocate for Wait Until 8th, an initiative encouraging families to delay giving children smartphones, discussed the role schools can play in helping students manage online pressures.
“As a middle school parent and Wait Until 8th supporter, I believe protecting our children’s mental health means giving them time to grow without the pressures of smartphones and social media,” said Wait Until 8th Advocate Lauren Becht. “Schools can be powerful partners by supporting families who choose to delay, teaching students to recognize and navigate online pressures, and making mental health resources easy for families to find. Just as important, children need to feel safe asking for help when they need it. I appreciate Congressman Kean bringing parents into this conversation and focusing on the well-being of our middle schoolers.”
Lucy Li, a Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District Board of Education member and United for Impact board member, emphasized the importance of partnerships among schools, families and community organizations.
“Youth mental health requires a community-wide commitment. As a parent of three and with experience of serving as a member of the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School Board, as well as serving on the board of nonprofit organizations, I understand the importance of supporting children during these pivotal years,” said Bridgewater-Raritan School District Board of Education and United for Impact Board Member Lucy Li. “Congressman Kean’s bill is an important step toward turning that commitment into action, and I encourage an approach that brings together schools, families, faith and cultural organizations, nonprofits, and other community partners to provide coordinated, accessible support. At United for Impact, we believe strong community connections are essential to youth well-being and prevention, and we welcome the opportunity to help build partnerships that extend support within and beyond the classroom and make a lasting difference in children’s lives.”
New Jersey-certified school counselor Nisha Ali discussed the responsibilities of school counselors and called for additional counseling positions across the state.
“As a New Jersey-certified school counselor, I chose this career because I recognized the growing need for mental health support in our schools and wanted to be part of the solution,” said New Jersey Certified School Counselor Nisha Ali. “School counselors do far more than provide individual and group counseling; we work closely with families, administrators, and Child Study Teams to help students navigate challenges, heal from trauma, and succeed both academically and emotionally. As concerns surrounding student mental health and safety continue to grow, we must advocate for more school counseling positions in every district across New Jersey to ensure that all students receive the support, resources, and care they need to thrive.”
The roundtable focused on the challenges facing middle school students and ways families, educators, community organizations and government agencies could work together to improve access to mental health resources.
The Healthy Minds for a Better Future Act would create a federal task force to examine middle school mental health issues. The proposal would require congressional approval before becoming law.
