MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A state report says students across Wisconsin generally reported experiencing significant mental health challenges while having fewer supports at school and at home.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction announced the release of its 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) Summary Report Wednesday.
Click here to read the report.
The report includes data on mental and physical health, suicide, online behavior, sexual and dating violence, drug and alcohol use, nutrition, and protective factors, among other topics.
“Compared with prior years, most YRBS indicators are statistically unchanged, but there are certain exceptions. Moreover, Wisconsin’s results do show notable decreases in smoking and traditional tobacco products, along with an increase in vaping or electronic tobacco products. While promising trends are evident across alcohol and tobacco use, pockets of concern persist, especially around alcohol use, prescription drug use, and vaping,” the report reads.
It also indicates that screen use continues to increase and positive health indicators such as sleep and eating breakfast continue to decline.
Depression increased, and other mental health issues remain high, though not statistically higher than in 2019. Students report their health and belonging at school have dropped. There are also some indicators of a declining sense of physical safety.
During an open-ended feedback, one student wrote, “Adults need to understand that adolescents don’t see that people are truly there to help them. Adults try to tell us “How we really feel” and don’t take time to truly listen. And when we say, “I’m ok.” we are usually lying. We need help, we want help, we just don’t know how to ask for it.”
“When I talk to parents, caregivers, and educators across the state, youth mental health is a primary concern, but it means something different when we hear it directly from the kids,” State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said. “This data lays bare the youth mental health crisis in our state, and they do not have enough access to support at school. That is difficult to hear, but it is important information because we can do something about it – our legislative leaders can take action and budget significant funding for mental health supports in our schools. And every single one of us can take action ourselves and check in with the young people in our own lives. Reach out – it really can make a difference.”
It wasn’t all negative. The 2021 YRBS did show positive increases in overall rates of physical activity.
