For over 35 years, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has surveyed high school students to understand their health and behavior. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey, initiated in 1991, targets students in grades 9-12 across public and private schools. It has monitored issues such as substance use, sexual behavior, and mental health. The 2025 report presents a different view, concentrating on diet, physical activity, sleep, digital behavior, and mental health, omitting national findings on substance use and sexual behavior.
The 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey report shifts focus as the Health and Human Services Secretary and the Trump administration prioritize preventing chronic diseases among children through the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. The report, shorter than its predecessors at 36 pages, highlights changes in student attitudes toward nutrition and mental health, with Dr. Jennifer Shuford noting “meaningful improvements.” However, she emphasizes ongoing challenges in student health behaviors.
A focus on health and wellness
The 2025 report provides a snapshot of student health, comparing changes over the past decade. Notable findings include a rise in fruit and vegetable consumption: 39% and 63% of students, respectively, reported daily intake. Sports participation increased to 58%, while soda consumption dropped to 17%. Mental health improvements were noted, with a decrease in students experiencing persistent sadness, now at 33%, and those considering suicide, now at 14%. Despite these gains, physical activity and sleep rates remain low, and social media usage is unchanged.
A different look at adolescent health
This report marks a shift from the 2023 survey, which focused on sexual behavior, substance use, and mental health during the Biden administration. The 2023 report included detailed demographic data and explored issues like social media use and school connectedness. The 2025 report lacks such demographic comparisons and does not mention LGBTQ+ students, though the underlying survey data remain available online.
Declines in substance use
The 2025 report omits the long-term decline in teen substance use, despite data showing alcohol use at 20% and marijuana use at 13%, both at historic lows. Vaping continues to decline, with current use at 16%, down from 33% in 2019. The survey shows a decrease in students who have ever used illicit drugs, now at 9.7%.
Sexual activity and school violence
The report gives little attention to sexual activity and school violence measures. The percentage of sexually active students decreased to 19%. Reports of carrying weapons at school fell to 3%, and bullying rates remained stable at around 19.7%. Despite these changes, the report highlights the need for continued focus on adolescent health.
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