Adolescent Health

Statewide Youth Survey Shows Mental Health Challenges Persist for Vermont Students

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 14:38:11 +0000

Statewide Youth Survey Shows Mental Health Challenges Persist for Vermont Students

For Immediate Release: November 22, 2024
Media Contact: Kyle Casteel
Communication Office │ Department of Health
802-863-7280 │ [email protected]" target="_blank">[email protected]

Statewide Youth Survey Shows Mental Health Challenges Persist for Vermont Students
Survey Measures Social Media Use for First Time; Shows Long-term Substance Use Decline

WATERBURY, VT — New data from the Vermont Department of Health measuring health risks and behaviors among middle and high school students indicate progress on long-term challenges like youth drug, alcohol and tobacco use, while the number of young people reporting mental health challenges like stress, anxiety and depression remains high.

The 2023 Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) shows that a third of Vermont high school students struggle with poor mental health, while just over 50% of Vermont high school students feel like they matter to their community. Students are reporting self-harm and making suicide plans at the same rates as during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is especially a concern for female and LGBTQ+ students, who report poor mental health and self-harm at significantly higher rates than their peers.

“In line with national trends, we are seeing young people in Vermont grappling with persistent feelings of hopelessness and isolation in a much more pronounced way than was the case among the same age groups 10 years ago,” Health Department Deputy Commissioner Kelly Dougherty said. “We have a responsibility as adults to believe what these students are telling us about how they feel and to treat this growing crisis with the urgency it deserves.”

New this year, students were asked about social media use and how often they use apps like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and X. The survey data show 80% of high school students and 60% of middle school students check social media at least several times a day.

The biennial survey of Vermont high school and middle school students asks questions on a wide range of topics including sexual activity, drugs and alcohol, physical activity, nutrition, club and sport involvement and post-graduation plans. The YRBS data can help school and community organizations focus prevention efforts and determine whether school policies and community programs have the intended effect on student behaviors. The survey, also given on a national level coordinated by the CDC, is a collaboration between the Health Department and Agency of Education.

Other 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Highlights:

22% of high school students report using marijuana, a decrease from 24% a decade ago.
The percent of high school students who believe their parents would think it’s wrong for them to use marijuana has significantly decreased in the last decade, from 82% in 2013 to 75% today.
16% of high school students report using e-cigarettes, down from a peak of 26% in 2019.
28% of high school students are sexually active, an increase from the 2021 results.
Condom use has significantly decreased among sexually active students over the last decade (62% in 2013 to 49% in 2023).
56% of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) students are treated unfairly at school because of their race or ethnicity compared to 14% of white, non-Hispanic students.
Almost four in 10 high school students report they are trying to lose weight.

The national 988 Lifeline is available via call, text or chat 24 hours a day to support those struggling with mental health challenges, including via mobile crisis response units.

Health officials encourage parents and guardians to talk with students about drug and alcohol use and mental health. Advice on starting these conversations can be found at ParentUpvt.org. Resources and information related to adolescent sexual health is available at HealthVermont.gov/topic/teens-and-sex.

For the complete YRBS reports and highlight summaries, visit HealthVermont.gov/yrbs.

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The media plays an important role in preventing suicide. Best-practice reporting guidance is available at FacingSuicideVT.com.

Translated Information – Print, video and audio resources are translated into many of the languages used in Vermont. Visit HealthVermont.gov/Translations for searchable tables of documents in each of the nine languages – including about preventing illness, healthy homes, and staying safe and healthy during extreme events like storms, power outages, hurricanes, and flooding.

About the Department of Health

We have been the state's public health agency for more than 130 years, working every day to protect and promote the health of Vermonters.

Visit HealthVermont.gov ─ Join us @HealthVermont on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

adm-kyle.casteel Fri, 11/22/2024 - 09:38

Mental health stands out in new teen health report.

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 19:52:57 +0000

Mental health stands out in new teen health report. adm-kristen.cameron Thu, 11/07/2024 - 14:52

Adolescent Health

School Health

Youth Engagement

Get new data on the health of Vermont students

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Insights into pandemic era student health.

Fri, 19 May 2023 18:57:18 +0000

Insights into pandemic era student health. adm-kristen.cameron Fri, 05/19/2023 - 14:57

Adolescent Health

Youth Engagement

Get new data on the health of Vermont students

adm-slide-YRBS-hammock.png

Teens and Vaping

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 12:16:31 +0000

Teens and Vaping olh_Sharon.Muellers Sun, 02/26/2023 - 07:16

Adolescent Health

Help teens quit vaping.

hpdp-tobacco-vaping.jpg

Firearm Safety

Fri, 27 May 2022 17:08:57 +0000

Firearm Safety

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide:

Dial 988 for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) or text VT to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. Trained counselors are available 24/7.

If you are concerned about your or a loved one's safety or need emergency medical services:

Call 9-1-1.

Firearm Injury and Deaths are Public Health Concerns in Vermont

Gun violence affects the lives of many Vermonters each year. Every year in Vermont, an average of 74 Vermonters die by firearm. Most firearm-related deaths in Vermont are due to suicide, primarily among males. Additionally, an average of 39 Vermonters visit emergency departments or are hospitalized for firearm-related injuries.

About 43% of Vermont adults have a firearm in their residence, which places them at higher risk for firearm injury and death, primarily for suicide and unintentional injury.

Injuries and deaths caused by firearms are also a public health issue nationally. Each year, over 40,000 Americans die by suicide, homicide, or unintentional injuries with firearms.

Firearm-related injuries and deaths are preventable and we can all play a role in creating safer communities. Learn more about your role in the sections below.

olh_Sharon.Muellers Fri, 05/27/2022 - 13:08

Vaping & Nicotine

Thu, 26 May 2022 15:30:56 +0000

Vaping & Nicotine

With the high prevalence of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette, e-cigs or vapes) and increasing popularity of oral nicotine pouches among youth, teens and young adults, the Health Department Tobacco Control Program is educating on harms to consumers to prevent initiation and reduce nicotine use.

As of 2023, 16% of Vermont high school students said they used e-cigarettes at least once in the past 30 days. Of those students, 37% did so daily.

2023 YRBS Vaping Prevalence

Vapes contain harmful metals, such as arsenic and lead. As e-cigarettes deliver flavorings, additives, and, typically, nicotine through an inhaled aerosol, they are harmful to both the user and those who are exposed secondhand. The Health Department follows the U.S. Surgeon General’s recommendation urging those who influence youth, young adults and people who are pregnant to discourage nicotine use in any form, including e-cigarettes.

One in 17 high school youth currently smoke cigarettes (6%). Smoking rates are highest among high school youth with an IEP, LGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, people of color, older youth and male youth.

Vermont YRBS 2023. Subjective Social Status is a proxy measure for socioeconomic status. IEP or 504 Plan = Individualized Education Plan or supports and services for students with disabilities.

Emerging Nicotine Products

Oral nicotine pouches, which contain nicotine, flavorings and other ingredients, are placed between the lip and gum where nicotine is absorbed. Whether made from tobacco plants or made in a lab, nicotine pouches are not a safe alternative to smoking or vaping and not FDA approved for quitting any other form of tobacco use. Nicotine pouches are never safe for youth, young adults and pregnant women.

Learn more about the health effects of oral nicotine pouches.

nchristensen Thu, 05/26/2022 - 11:30

Parents and Mentors

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 15:03:02 +0000

Parents and Mentors

olh_Sharon.Muellers Tue, 10/29/2019 - 11:03

Cannabis and Youth

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 15:02:28 +0000

Cannabis and Youth

It is illegal for anyone under age 21 to use or possess cannabis (marijuana, hashish, weed, pot, etc.) in Vermont. Using cannabis can negatively affect brain development and impair your judgement and coordination. Different forms of cannabis can have very different levels of THC and can cause severe reactions.

olh_Sharon.Muellers Tue, 10/29/2019 - 11:02

Is cannabis dangerous?

Like cigarettes, smoking cannabis is harmful to the lungs. The smoke from cannabis has many of the same toxins and chemicals found in cigarette smoke and, when inhaled, can increase your risk of developing lung problems. The additives, tools and high temperatures used for vaping cannabis may expose you to toxic substances, which may cause serious lung injury. The brain does not finish developing until the mid-20s, and cannabis use before that time can interfere with brain development.

Is cannabis stronger than it used to be?

The way cannabis is grown has changed and some plants now have higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). High levels of THC can lead to cannabis poisoning, especially with edibles, like cookies.

What are the health risks of consuming cannabis?

In addition to interfering with brain development, regular cannabis use has been linked to anxiety, depression and suicide, especially for teens with a family history of mental illness. Cannabis use increases the risk of schizophrenia, although it is not common. The more cannabis you use, the higher the risk. Using cannabis as a teen can lead to cannabis dependence and increase your risk for using or abusing other substances and illegal drugs.

Why is it illegal for teens to use cannabis?

Your brain is still developing. Using cannabis regularly in your teens and early 20s may lead to physical changes in your brain. Research shows that when you use cannabis your memory, learning, and attention are harmed. Some studies suggest a permanent impact as well.

Are there long-term risks to cannabis?

The harmful effects of cannabis on your brain may impact your educational and professional goals and how successful you are in life.

What happens to people who are underage found possessing cannabis?

Penalties vary. If you are found to possess even 1 ounce or less of marijuana or 5 grams or less of hashish, you may be found guilty of a civil violation. You may be referred to the Court Diversion Program and could be required to enroll in the Youth Substance Abuse Safety Program. Failure to complete the program successfully will result in fines and a driver’s license suspension.

Suicide Prevention

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 12:26:52 +0000

Suicide Prevention

Suicide Touches the Lives of Many Vermonters.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide,

Call 988 for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) or text VT to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. Trained counselors are available 24/7.

About the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in

If you are concerned about your or a loved one's safety or need emergency medical services,

Call 9-1-1

In 2021, there were 142 suicide deaths among Vermont residents. This is the highest number and rate of suicide deaths recorded in Vermont. Suicide impacts the whole community. Vermont’s intentional self-harm and death by suicide rates are significantly higher than the United States' rate. Suicide is also a major public health issue nationally.

Suicide is preventable and help is available.

Everyone has a role in saving lives and create healthy and strong individuals, families, and communities. Know the risk factors, recognize the warning signs and reach out to get help before and during a crisis.

FacingSuicideVT.com Initiative

Facing Suicide VT is a new statewide prevention initiative supported by the Vermont Department of Health and the Department of Mental Health through funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program. This statewide prevention effort provides access to suicide prevention, education, support, and advocacy resources. By sharing our stories and talking about suicide in our state, we can make it easier to ask for help and get help when needed. We can help ourselves and each other when we start facing suicide in Vermont together. Learn more about Facing Suicide VT.

New Youth–Focused Resource: Suicide Prevention Trainings for Schools

The Vermont Department of Health and Department of Mental Health have developed a resource for school leaders and staff. This resource highlights the key elements of youth suicide prevention work in schools, as well as identifies free and low-cost trainings that are available in Vermont. This resource is one part of the state's comprehensive youth suicide prevention approach, which also includes providing community support and educational groups for youth at higher risk for suicide, training adults who work or care for youth to identify warning signs and connect youth to the appropriate care, supporting healthcare systems that treat youth having thoughts of suicide, and providing grief support groups for youth who have lost someone to suicide. This project is made possible through funding by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration's Garrett Lee Smith Grant.

olh_Sharon.Muellers Mon, 09/16/2019 - 08:26

Resources for Families and Caregivers

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 19:42:26 +0000

Resources for Families and Caregivers

olh_Sharon.Muellers Tue, 09/11/2018 - 15:42