VT Youth Risky Behavior Report shows worse mental health in teens
MONTPELIER, Vt. —
The number of teenagers drinking alcohol and vaping is on the decline, but experts say they are still struggling in other areas. To help combat these challenges, the Vermont Department of Health is reviewing data from the latest Youth Risky Behavior Report.
The 2025 Youth Risky Behavior Report outlines 16 different metrics around youth health, safety, and substance use. The report has shown that teen alcohol use and vaping have dropped, and students’ safety and nutrition have improved. However, the report also shows that a quarter of young people are struggling with poor mental health.
Department Commissioner Rick Hildebrant said this report helps them with the planning process, so they can determine the best course of action to support young people through these challenges.
“The best way to think of this as just a starting point,” Hildebrant said. “We’re seeing improvements in our mental health of our youth, but we’ve got a lot of work to do, and we’ve got a lot of work to do focusing on some specific populations of youth that we have where there really is an outsized negative impact.”
Hildebrant said the strides they have made in mental health and substance use support are largely because of local programs. He said the department will continue working with community organizations so students can feel safe and supported in every aspect of their health.
For more information about the youth risk behavior report, visit the Vermont Department of Health.