MILWAUKEE — Data shared by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services this week shows that instances of self-harm among kinds and teens tend to jump as both summer break and winter break come to an end.

"We think partly what's behind it is that when kids come back to school after those breaks, they have to be back in the classroom, face-to-face with other kids," said Linda Hall, director of Wisconsin's Office of Children's Mental Health. "As more than half of our kids are already suffering from anxiety, this is putting them back into a situation where they have to be in close proximity to other people."

Hall said it's essential for parents to set aside time to talk to their kids and have conversations with them, and not just a few times a week.

"Parents should do their best on a daily basis to have some conversations with their kids," Hall said. "Make it an open time when you just listen to them— no judgment, no parent trying to control the conversation— just listening."

Watch the full interview above.