Youth Mental Health Shows Improvement, But School Violence Concerns Rise

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal a complex picture of adolescent health, with improvements in mental well-being offset by increasing concerns about school-based violence and safety. The findings, released today, analyze data from the 2021 and 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), offering a detailed appear at the experiences of high school students across the United States.

Positive Trends in Mental Health

The report highlights several positive shifts in youth mental health between 2021 and 2023:

• A decrease in the percentage of students experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, from 42% to 40% .
• A reduction in feelings of sadness or hopelessness among female students, dropping from 57% to 53% .
• A decrease in the percentage of female students who seriously considered attempting suicide, declining from 30% to 27% .
• Improvements in mental health among Hispanic students, with fewer reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness (from 46% to 42%), poor mental health (from 30% to 26%), serious consideration of suicide (from 22% to 18%), and suicide planning (from 19% to 16%) .
• A decrease in suicide attempts and injuries among Black students, falling from 14% to 10% and 4% to 2%, respectively .

Rising Concerns About School Violence and Safety

Despite the positive trends in mental health, the data also reveal concerning increases in experiences of violence and safety concerns at school:

• An increase in the percentage of students threatened or injured with a weapon at school, rising from 7% to 9% .
• A rise in the percentage of students who were bullied at school, increasing from 15% to 19% .
• An increase in the percentage of students missing school due to safety concerns, growing from 9% to 13% .

Disparities and Vulnerable Populations

The report underscores significant health disparities, particularly among female and LGBTQ+ high school students. Nearly three in 10 LGBTQ+ students reported being bullied at school, and two in 10 attempted suicide in 2023 . These groups experience higher rates of violence, poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to their peers.

The Role of Schools in Supporting Youth Well-being

Experts emphasize the critical role schools play in promoting adolescent health and well-being. The CDC’s What Works in Schools program supports school districts in providing quality health education, connecting students to needed health services, and creating safer and more supportive school environments.

“Considering the vital role schools play in promoting health and well-being, it is critical to address school-based violence and safety concerns,” said Kathleen Ethier, Ph.D., Director of the CDC Division of Adolescent and School Health .

Looking Ahead

While the data show progress in some areas of youth mental health, the increasing concerns about school violence and safety demand attention. Continued investment in school-based programs and a focus on addressing health disparities are essential to ensuring all young people feel safe, supported, and have the opportunity to thrive. The CDC will continue to analyze data and work with communities to translate these findings into action.