WATERBURY, Vt. (WCAX) – New data show the well-being of Vermont teens is improving, with fewer students reporting poor mental health and substance use on the decline.
The latest survey of high school and middle schoolers shows improvements in mental health and declines in vaping, alcohol and marijuana use, according to the Vermont Department of Health.
About one-quarter of kids experience poor mental health, according to the 2025 data just released. That’s down nearly 10% from 2023, when one-third of students reported mental health concerns.
At the same time, fewer students are reporting experiences with self-harm and suicidal ideation, too.
But the data shows nearly 4 in 10 teens said they could easily access a loaded gun without permission.
Teen substance use is going down. Now, 18% of students report using marijuana, 22% report drinking alcohol and 14% report vaping, down from a peak of 29% in 2019.
“It’s encouraging to see real progress in the health and wellbeing of Vermont’s young people,” Dr. Rick Hildebrant, Vermont health commissioner, said in a release. “This survey helps us understand where we are making a difference in mental health and substance use, where young people continue to struggle, and where we need to do more.”
Also of note, 25% of students report being sexually active. Less than half of them are using condoms, but other birth control methods are on the rise.
RISK BEHAVIOR SURVEY DATA HIGHLIGHTS:
- 53% of high school students feel that they matter to their community.
- 77% of high school students check social media several times a day.
- 25% of high school students are sexually active. Of those, less than half report using condoms, but birth control options like the pill and IUD are on the rise.
- 40% of high school students report trying to lose weight.
Health officials say overall, the survey shows promising progress, but there’s still work to be done. Find the full results of the survey here.
If you’re struggling with mental health, you can text, call or chat with the National 988 Hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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