New data analysis reveals a generation at risk
SOURCE Healthy Americas Foundation (HAF)
WASHINGTON , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — An analysis by the Healthy Americas Institute of newly released data from the CDC’s National High School Survey demonstrates a generation at risk. The data analysis shows risk across all racial and ethnic groups, revealing that 2 in 5 high school students report persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, while 1 in 10 attempted suicide, 1 in 5 was bullied on school property, and 1 in 6 was electronically bullied.
“These findings, presented today, highlight young people’s experiences with their own well-being, with risks across all racial and ethnic groups. These data should prompt meaningful action by the new administration and the 119th Congress to ensure that all young people can thrive,” said Jane L. Delgado, PhD, MS, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health.
The report, released today by the Healthy Americas Institute, the research and policy arm of the Health Foundation of the Americas and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, examined the mental health challenges, school safety concerns, and high-risk behaviors facing U.S. youth in grades 9 through 12. To support action, the report was distributed to educators, health professionals, and policymakers, including key members of the new administration’s transition team and incoming members of the new Congress.
The full report, available for download, offers key data on the mental health and safety challenges facing U.S. youth in many communities. Key sections include:
- Mental health and wellbeing trends, such as feelings of sadness, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts.
- Concerns about school safety, including weapon-related injuries, bullying, and absenteeism due to safety fears.
- Data on sexual violence, focusing on coercion and assault.
These findings serve as an essential starting point for designing youth support interventions and programs that are culturally meaningful and linguistically appropriate. Some key findings from this special analysis of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey System (YRBS) 2023 National Data Set include:
General secondary school youth
39.7% felt sad or hopeless.
20.4% seriously considered suicide, while 9.5% attempted it.
19.2% were bullied at school, while 12.8% missed school due to safety concerns.
16.3% experienced cyberbullying, while 8.6% were physically forced to have sex.
African American or Black High School Youth
39.6% felt sad or hopeless.
19.6% seriously considered suicide, while 10.3% attempted it.
15.1% missed school because they felt unsafe, while 9.3% experienced sexual violence.
Asian high school youth
32.1% felt sad or hopeless.
14.4% seriously considered suicide, while 8.0% attempted it.
12.9% experienced cyberbullying, while 6.3% were physically forced to have sex.
White high school youth
31.4% reported that their mental health was “not good” most or all of the time.
22.1% seriously considered suicide, while 8.3% attempted it.
23.2% were bullied at school, the highest rate reported.
Hispanic or Latino high school youth
42.4% felt sad or hopeless.
18.2% seriously considered suicide, with 10.8% attempting it.
13.7% experienced cyberbullying, while 15.8% were bullied at school.
American Indian or Alaska Native High School Youth
44.8% felt sad or hopeless, the highest percentage among all groups.
24.5% seriously considered suicide, while 11.5% attempted it.
17.0% were bullied at school, while 15.1% missed school due to safety concerns.
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander youth in secondary school
25.8% felt sad or hopeless.
16.1% seriously considered suicide, while 15.3% attempted it, this being the highest percentage among all groups.
21.9% did not attend school because they felt unsafe, highlighting important safety concerns.
Multicultural high school youth
41.4% felt sad or hopeless.
21.6% seriously considered suicide.
18.3% experienced cyberbullying.
About the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (the Alliance): The Alliance is the leading source of science-based information and trusted advocate for Hispanic health in the United States, with the mission of achieving better health for all. For more information, visit us at www.healthyamericas.org
About the Health Foundation of the Americas: The Health Americas Fund ® (HAF) seeks to improve the health of individuals and their families in the Americas. HAF’s efforts are based on the expertise of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health and its many contributors. For more information, visit us at www.healthyamericasfund.org
