Critics say mental health screenings of Illinois school children is ‘overreach’

CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — Critics of a new law that will make Illinois the first state in the country to conduct annual mental health screenings of school children say the plan will do more harm than good.

The law, signed by Gov. JB Pritkzer and going into effect during the 2027-2028 school year, will require schools to conduct the yearly screenings, using digital or paper forms, to help officials identify signs of depression, anxiety, or trauma before they become mental health crises.

“I want to be on-the-record and crystal clear. This is a disastrous policy that will do vastly more harm than good,” said Abigail Shrier, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, according to FOX News. “Watch as tens of thousands of Illinois kids get shoved into the mental health funnel and convinced they are sick. Many or most of which will be false positives.”

“If a school nurse or a state-mandated mental health test tells you you’re sick, you’re going to believe them,” said Katherine Boyle, a partner at venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. “This is why so many families are opting out of primary school completely — the overreach is astounding.”

SB1560, supported by the Illinois State Board of Education and children’s behavioral health advocates, aims to offer annual mental health screenings for students in grades three through twelve. Parents can opt their children out of the screenings.

“Access to mental healthcare, especially for children, is too often overlooked or ignored,” said Governor JB Pritzker.

“Too often, we only recognize a student’s distress when it becomes a crisis. With universal screening, we shift from reaction to prevention. The earlier we identify a need, the better support we can provide to that student to help them thrive in school and in life,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders.

The law is supported by the Illinois State Board of Education and children’s behavioral health advocates