Make periodic mental health screenings mandatory for elem school children; compliance for treatment required to attend.

I propose periodic mental health screenings for all US pre school, elementary, secondary and high school students. We test kids' eyes and ears. Why not check for mental illness indicators? Then, we need to put some teeth behind the recommendations and require treatment. Schools can refuse to allow children to come to school with strep throat, but allow parents to deny psychological problems for years. The psychological community needs to best determine how to do this accurately and humanely; mental health funding will need to become a priority; and our national dialog needs to decrease the stigma on psychological problems. School shootings like in CT are preventable, but by 18, too many symptoms and attitudes towards mental health treatment are ingrained. Earlier detection is needed.