Too often our public policy and investments related to youth are informed not so much by fact as by myth, popular media, and catchy headlines. What we do know is that the vast majority of youth today are responsible, productive, pro-social, and engaged in the business of growing up to be contributing members of our communities. Understanding the challenges they face, the decisions they are making, and the opportunities we need to provide that promote positive youth development can be informed by the latest results from the WisconsinYouth Risk Behavior Survey recently released by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). The survey has been conducted every year since 1993. It is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s nationwide endeavor to assess health and risk behaviors among high school students. These data indicate that there are some positive trends, but also many areas that could use some work, including:
- Regarding bullying, 24% of high school students said they were bullied on school property and 17% were electronically bullied. Furthermore, 36% of male students and 54% of female students believe that bullying and harassment are problems in their school.
- Sixty-four percent of students reported using a condom during last intercourse, leaving a significant percentage of students putting themselves at risk for sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy.
- Marijuana use has increased from 23% in 1993 to 37% in 2011.
- Binge drinking among high school students in Wisconsin is higher than in most states.
- Students have reported inadequate levels of physical activity and the percent of obese students has not changed since 1999.
Students did, however, report many positive protective factors, referred to as assets in the YRBS.
- Eighty-eight percent of students reported that their parents give them love and support.
- Seventy-three percent of students believe there is a teacher or adult at school they can talk to if they have a problem.
- There has been a significant decline in youth reporting never or rarely wearing a seatbelt
- The majority of students said they felt safe at school. Physical fighting, both on and off school property, has decreased since 1993.
- Students who reported carrying a weapon, both on school property or anywhere in the community, also decreased significantly.
- The decline in the percentage of youth reporting that they have smoked a tobacco product within the last 30 days has continued from its peak over a decade ago.
For more information, see the executive summary of the YRBS or DPI’s website for more in-depth information about the YRBS as well as some graphs and charts that show trends over time. By Julie Davidson
