Robert Brown|Wisconsin high school survey shows that students continue to struggle with mental health

2025-05-07 02:19:51source:Evander Reedcategory:Scams

MADISON,Robert Brown Wis. (AP) — Nearly 6 out of 10 high school students in Wisconsin reported having at least one mental health challenge over the past year, based on results of the state’s survey of students released Tuesday.

The 2023 survey was completed by 1,882 students in 42 public, charter, and alternative high schools in Wisconsin. It was compiled by the state Department of Public Instruction.

Students reported that they were having more mental health challenges and had less support at home and school. They also reported an increase in social media and overall screen usage, with nearly 80% saying they spent more than three hours per day on screens. And about 1 in 5 students said they get less than five hours of sleep a night.

Jill Underly, the state superintendent of education, used the survey’s release to call for investing more in mental health services in schools.

“It is imperative that we implement inclusive policies in our schools instead of isolating students in need,” she said in a statement.

More than half of students reported experiencing anxiety, while 35% reported being depressed almost every day for two weeks in a row or more. More than 1 in 5 reported non-suicidal self-harm. LGBTQ+ and female students experienced higher levels of mental health challenges than their peers.

RELATED COVERAGE Judge dismisses lawsuit challenging absentee voting procedure in battleground WisconsinWisconsin Republicans ask voters to take away governor’s power to spend federal moneyWisconsin DNR says emerald ash borer find in Burnett County means beetle has spread across state

Although the report showed a high percentage of students faced mental health struggles, there were some positives, as alcohol, tobacco and drug use have mostly decreased. The survey also showed a continuation of the long-term trend that teenagers are less sexually active than they were in the past.

The survey has been administered to Wisconsin public high school students every two years since 1993.

More:Scams

Recommend

At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers

DAMASCUS — A hip bone in a blown-out building, part of a spine amid some debris, a few foot bones in

Celine Dion makes rare appearance during Steelers vs Cowboys game promo

Celine Dion is back — or maybe just for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys matchup on Sunday

When do new episodes of 'Love is Blind' come out? Day, time, cast, where to watch

The pods have officially reopened, and love is blossoming in the nation's capital with the return of