It's a growing concern in the age of social media, anxiety among young people. A local middle school is taking a look at the support they provide to students to help.

For 30 years Heather Meyer has guided students at Jamesville-Dewitt Middle School. She's sees first-hand the problems a 10 year old kid faces.

"I think social media has a lot to do with it," said Meyer. "Things that happen outside of school get brought into school, arguments, comments that are posted exchanged has become a real issue."

To address anxiety among students, the school conducted surveys and research.

"This year some of the data has come back that kids are really anxious about grades," said Jamesville-Dewitt Middle School Principal Andy Eldridge.  "Their social settings, who their friends are, being popular, and getting into great schools later to have a great like. It all meshes under anxiety."

Now the school is working with the New York State Department of Education to become part of their "Schools to Watch" program. It recognizes schools that excel at being well rounded, part of that is meeting the social and developmental needs of students.

"We've really focused our attention on counseling, we hired an additional counselor so every grade has a school counselor." said Eldridge 

As the mental health experts do their best to address the emotional needs of students in school, parents can do their part at home.

"Checking in with them emotionally, not just 'Hey, did you pass your math test?' or 'Get out your planner, let's take a look. Ask 'How are you feeling today?', do the emotional check-in. I think that's super critical."