FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 13, 2024
CONTACT: SHD-communications@co.snohomish.wa.us
Healthy Youth Survey results show progress in social support and mental health among adolescents in Snohomish County
Nearly 13,500 Snohomish County students participated in the 2023 Healthy Youth Survey
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – Youth substance use remains well below pre-pandemic levels, students are reporting more social support at school and home. Newly added questions showed that many young people reported at least one worrisome eating or weight-related behavior. These are some of the results from the most recent Healthy Youth Survey released March 13.
The survey was given to students in the fall. Nearly 13,500 students around Snohomish County participated, which is about 6 out of every 10 enrolled students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. Their responses show existing good habits to build upon and help illustrate the importance of trusted social supports for youth. There also continue to be areas of concern where more work is needed to support young people.
Highlights |
More questions were added that asked students about their recent substance use, including fentanyl use. Most students said that they do not use fentanyl. |
Fewer students in 6th grade reported recent alcohol use. Reports of recent alcohol use are much lower across all grades compared to pre-COVID pandemic years. |
More students in 10th and 12th grade said there are adults they can turn to when they feel sad or hopeless compared to previous years. |
Fewer students said they seriously considered suicide compared to the past several survey years. |
Concerns |
New questions were added that asked students about worrisome eating behaviors, weight stigma, and experiences with body shaming. Half of students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grade said they were shamed by friends or family about their body. |
At least 1 in every 10 students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grade said they were bullied in the last month because of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Bullying for any reason among 8th grade students increased, returning to pre-COVID pandemic levels. |
Though lower than in previous survey years, nearly 1 in every 5 students in 12th grade reported having been in a situation where they were pressured into unwanted physical intimacy, including kissing, touching, or having sex. |
About 1 in every 10 students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grade said that they were recently in a vehicle that was driven by someone who had consumed alcohol. |
The survey is optional and anonymous. It gathers information on topics such as physical activity and nutrition, alcohol and drug use, physical and sexual abuse, school safety, and mental health. The 2023 survey was the eighteenth such health survey administered in Washington and the eleventh under the Healthy Youth Survey effort specifically.
The Snohomish County Health Department joins the Washington State Department of Health in thanking the schools and students who participated in the 2023 survey. The survey results are a valuable data snapshot that helps outline strengths to expand upon as well as challenges to address. It is one of a number of information sources used by public health and partners to better understand the health of our community.
Fact sheets and more detailed data are available at www.askhys.net. The biennial Healthy Youth Survey is a collaborative effort of the Health Care Authority - Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, the Department of Health, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Liquor and Cannabis Board, and the contractor, Looking Glass Analytics.
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