The mental health of teenagers has become an important concern for parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and communities. High school students face academic pressure, social challenges, family expectations, bullying, and other experiences that can affect their emotional well-being. Understanding these challenges is essential for creating safer schools and ensuring that young people receive appropriate support.
The 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides valuable information about the mental health and well-being of American high school students. Its findings reveal widespread experiences of sadness, hopelessness, poor mental health, and suicide-related risk.
The survey also highlights differences among student groups and identifies protective factors that can help improve emotional well-being. Although some indicators showed improvement between 2021 and 2023, the results demonstrate that many teenagers continue to experience serious mental health challenges.
This article explains what the 2023 YRBS reveals about high school students, the most important statistics, differences among demographic groups, possible contributing factors, and ways schools and families can provide meaningful support.
Key Takeaways
- Approximately 39.7% of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
- Around 28.5% reported poor mental health most of the time or always during the previous 30 days.
- Approximately 20.4% seriously considered attempting suicide during the previous 12 months.
- Around 9.5% reported attempting suicide during the previous 12 months.
- Female and LGBTQ+ students experienced higher rates of several mental health and suicide-risk indicators.
- Some mental health indicators improved between 2021 and 2023, but serious concerns remained.
- Frequent social media use, bullying, racism, and unfair school discipline were associated with negative mental health indicators.
- Supportive relationships, school connectedness, and access to appropriate services can help protect students’ mental health.
1. What Is the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)?
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey is a CDC surveillance program that examines health-related behaviors and experiences among high school students in the United States.
The national survey collects information from students in grades 9 through 12. It covers several areas of adolescent health, including:
- Mental health and emotional well-being.
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
- Experiences of violence.
- Bullying and school safety.
- Sexual health.
- Alcohol and other substance use.
- Physical activity and nutrition.
- Social media use and other health-related experiences.
The 2023 survey continued the CDC’s biennial monitoring of adolescent health. It also introduced questions about transgender identity, racism at school, unfair school discipline, and social media use.
The results help researchers and policymakers understand what teenagers are experiencing and identify areas where schools, families, and communities can improve support.
The CDC’s findings are based on survey responses, so they describe reported experiences rather than providing individual clinical diagnoses. <Cite refs={[“turn493295search1″,”turn493295search4″,”turn493295search3”]}/>
2. What Does the 2023 YRBS Reveal About Students’ Mental Health?
The most important finding is that a substantial proportion of high school students experienced mental health difficulties in 2023.
The CDC’s analysis identified four major indicators:
| Mental health indicator | Percentage of students |
|---|---|
| Persistent sadness or hopelessness | 39.7% |
| Poor mental health | 28.5% |
| Seriously considered attempting suicide | 20.4% |
| Attempted suicide | 9.5% |
These statistics show that emotional distress was not limited to a small group of teenagers. Many students reported experiences that deserve attention from families, schools, and healthcare professionals.
Persistent Feelings of Sadness and Hopelessness
Approximately 39.7% of students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness during the previous 12 months.
The survey measured whether students had felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for at least two weeks that they stopped participating in some usual activities.
This finding is significant because persistent emotional distress can affect several areas of a teenager’s life, including:
- School attendance and academic performance.
- Relationships with friends and family.
- Motivation and participation in activities.
- Sleep and everyday routines.
- Confidence and self-esteem.
- Interest in hobbies and social experiences.
Persistent sadness does not automatically mean that a student has a diagnosed mental health condition. However, it can be an important sign that additional support or professional evaluation may be needed.
Poor Mental Health
Approximately 28.5% of students reported poor mental health most of the time or always during the 30 days before the survey.
This measure provides a picture of how students perceived their mental health over a relatively recent period.
Poor mental health can involve emotional distress, difficulty managing everyday challenges, feelings of isolation, or problems maintaining normal routines.
The result highlights why mental health education should be considered an important part of student well-being rather than an issue addressed only when a crisis occurs.
Serious Consideration of Suicide
Approximately 20.4% of students seriously considered attempting suicide during the previous 12 months.
This is one of the most concerning findings in the survey. It demonstrates the importance of recognising warning signs and making mental health resources accessible to teenagers.
Students experiencing suicidal thoughts should be treated with care and without judgment. Support from trusted adults and qualified mental health professionals can be important in helping them remain safe.
Suicide Attempts
Approximately 9.5% of students reported attempting suicide during the previous 12 months.
This finding reinforces the need for prevention strategies, accessible mental health services, supportive school environments, and timely intervention.
The statistics should not be interpreted as a prediction about an individual student. They describe the experiences reported by the surveyed population. <Cite refs={[“turn493295search0″,”turn493295search2”]}/>
3. Which Students Experienced Greater Mental Health Challenges?
The 2023 YRBS found that mental health indicators differed across demographic groups.
Female students and LGBTQ+ students reported particularly high levels of persistent sadness, poor mental health, and suicide-related risk.
These differences demonstrate why mental health support should be accessible to every student while also recognising that some groups may face additional challenges.
Female High School Students
Female students reported higher rates of all four major mental health indicators than male students.
| Indicator | Female students | Male students |
|---|---|---|
| Persistent sadness or hopelessness | 52.6% | 27.7% |
| Poor mental health | 38.8% | 18.8% |
| Seriously considered attempting suicide | 27.1% | 14.1% |
| Attempted suicide | 12.6% | 6.4% |
These differences highlight the importance of understanding the experiences and pressures that can affect teenage girls.
Potential concerns include bullying, social pressure, body image, relationship difficulties, academic expectations, and exposure to stressful experiences.
However, survey differences do not establish that one particular factor caused these outcomes. More research is needed to understand the reasons behind individual experiences.
LGBTQ+ Students
The survey also identified substantial mental health disparities among lesbian, gay, bisexual, questioning, and other students included in the LGBQ+ category used in the CDC analysis.
| Indicator | LGBQ+ students | Heterosexual students |
|---|---|---|
| Persistent sadness or hopelessness | 65.7% | 31.4% |
| Poor mental health | 53.5% | 21.5% |
| Seriously considered attempting suicide | 41.0% | 13.0% |
| Attempted suicide | 19.7% | 6.0% |
These findings show why inclusive and supportive school environments matter.
LGBTQ+ students may encounter rejection, discrimination, harassment, bullying, or a lack of acceptance. Such experiences can contribute to emotional distress.
Schools and families can help by creating environments where students feel respected, safe, and able to seek assistance without fear of judgment.
The statistics should not be understood as evidence that LGBTQ+ identity itself causes mental health difficulties. The survey highlights differences in reported experiences and the importance of addressing the conditions that can affect student well-being. <Cite refs={[“turn493295search0″,”turn493295search1”]}/>
4. Did High School Students’ Mental Health Improve Between 2021 and 2023?
The CDC identified some encouraging improvements between the 2021 and 2023 survey periods.
For example:
- The percentage of students experiencing persistent sadness or hopelessness decreased from approximately 42% to 40%.
- Among female students, persistent sadness or hopelessness decreased from 57% to 53%.
- The percentage of female students who seriously considered attempting suicide decreased from 30% to 27%.
- Hispanic students experienced decreases in several measures of poor mental health and suicide-related risk.
- The percentage of Black students who attempted suicide decreased from 14% to 10%.
These improvements suggest that some indicators were moving in a positive direction.
However, the overall situation remained serious. Approximately four in ten students continued to report persistent sadness or hopelessness in 2023.
The CDC therefore describes the findings as early signs of improvement rather than evidence that the youth mental health crisis has ended.
It is important to distinguish between improvement in a population-level statistic and recovery for individual students. Even when an overall percentage decreases, many young people may still need help. <Cite refs={[“turn493295search1″,”turn493295search7”]}/>
5. How Do Social Media and Online Experiences Affect Student Mental Health?
Social media is an important part of many teenagers’ daily lives. Students use online platforms to communicate, share experiences, follow interests, and stay connected with friends.
However, the 2023 YRBS also examined the relationship between frequent social media use and certain negative experiences.
The CDC found that approximately 77% of students reported using social media several times a day or more frequently.
Frequent social media use was associated with a higher prevalence of:
- Being bullied at school or electronically.
- Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
- Suicide-related risk indicators.
These findings show an association, not proof that social media directly causes mental health problems.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying can involve threatening messages, repeated harassment, humiliating posts, or the spread of harmful information through digital platforms.
Unlike some traditional bullying experiences, online harassment can follow students beyond the school day.
Possible consequences include fear, embarrassment, isolation, and difficulty concentrating on schoolwork.
Social Comparison
Teenagers may compare their appearance, lifestyle, relationships, or achievements with carefully selected content posted by other people.
This can create unrealistic expectations and affect confidence.
Sleep Disruption
Excessive late-night screen use may interfere with healthy sleep routines. Poor sleep can make it harder for students to manage emotions, concentrate, and handle everyday stress.
Healthy Digital Habits
Families and schools can encourage teenagers to:
- Take regular breaks from screens.
- Avoid using devices late at night when possible.
- Report online harassment.
- Follow accounts that promote positive and realistic content.
- Maintain offline friendships and activities.
- Speak with trusted adults about uncomfortable online experiences.
The goal should be balanced and safe technology use rather than assuming that all social media activity is harmful. <Cite refs={[“turn493295search4″,”turn493295search1”]}/>
6. What Role Do Bullying, Racism, and Unfair Discipline Play?
The 2023 YRBS highlighted several school-related experiences associated with student mental health.
These include bullying, racism, and unfair disciplinary treatment.
Bullying at School
Bullying can affect a student’s sense of safety and belonging.
Students who experience repeated teasing, threats, humiliation, or physical aggression may develop anxiety, emotional distress, or reluctance to attend school.
The CDC also reported an increase in the percentage of students who experienced bullying at school between 2021 and 2023, from approximately 15% to 19%.
Racism and Discrimination
The 2023 survey included questions about experiences of racism at school.
The CDC found that students who experienced racism had a higher prevalence of poor mental health, suicide-related risk, and substance use.
Experiences of discrimination can make students feel excluded or unsafe. Schools should take reports seriously and establish clear procedures for addressing racism and harassment.
Unfair School Discipline
The survey also examined students’ experiences of unfair discipline.
Students reporting unfair disciplinary treatment had a higher prevalence of poor mental health, persistent sadness, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and other health-risk behaviors.
This finding highlights the importance of fair, consistent, and respectful school policies.
Schools should make sure disciplinary procedures are transparent and that students have appropriate opportunities to explain their experiences.
7. What Protective Factors Can Improve Students’ Mental Health?
One of the most encouraging parts of the 2023 YRBS research is its attention to protective factors.
Protective factors are experiences, relationships, and resources that may reduce the likelihood of negative health outcomes or help students manage difficult situations.
The CDC found that several individual, family, and school or community protective factors were associated with lower prevalence of one or more mental health and suicide-risk indicators.
Family Support
Positive relationships with parents, guardians, and caregivers can help teenagers feel understood and supported.
Families can encourage healthy communication by:
- Listening without immediately criticising.
- Taking emotional concerns seriously.
- Asking open-ended questions.
- Spending regular time together.
- Supporting healthy routines.
- Helping teenagers access professional assistance when needed.
School Connectedness
School connectedness means that students feel cared for, supported, and included by people at their school.
Students who feel connected to their school may be better positioned to seek help and participate in positive activities.
Schools can strengthen connectedness through supportive teachers, inclusive student clubs, mentoring, extracurricular activities, and anti-bullying policies.
Trusted Adults
A trusted adult can be a parent, teacher, counsellor, coach, relative, or another responsible person.
Having someone who listens and responds appropriately can make it easier for teenagers to discuss difficult experiences.
Healthy Daily Habits
Good physical health can support emotional well-being.
Useful habits include:
- Getting sufficient sleep.
- Eating regular, nutritious meals.
- Participating in physical activity.
- Spending time outdoors.
- Maintaining healthy friendships.
- Taking breaks from academic pressure.
These habits are not substitutes for mental health treatment when it is needed, but they can contribute to a healthier daily routine.
8. What Can Schools Do to Support High School Students?
Schools play an important role in identifying concerns, creating supportive environments, and connecting teenagers with appropriate resources.
The 2023 YRBS findings suggest that mental health should be included in broader school health and safety strategies.
Provide Access to School Counsellors
Students should know how to contact a counsellor or another qualified support professional.
Schools can make services easier to access by providing clear information, protecting student privacy appropriately, and explaining when confidentiality may have safety-related limits.
Introduce Mental Health Education
Age-appropriate mental health education can help students recognise emotional distress and understand when to ask for help.
Lessons can cover stress management, healthy relationships, emotional regulation, bullying prevention, and available support services.
Strengthen Anti-Bullying Policies
Schools should have clear reporting procedures and consistent responses to bullying.
Students should feel confident that complaints will be taken seriously and handled appropriately.
Create Inclusive Environments
Every student should have the opportunity to participate without fear of harassment or discrimination.
Inclusive policies and supportive relationships can help students feel accepted and connected.
Build Strong Relationships Between Students and Teachers
Teachers often notice changes in student attendance, participation, behaviour, or academic performance.
Training can help school staff respond with sensitivity and connect students with appropriate professionals instead of attempting to diagnose mental health conditions themselves.
9. What Can Parents and Caregivers Learn From the 2023 YRBS?
The findings remind families that mental health deserves attention alongside academic achievement and physical health.
Parents and caregivers do not need to be mental health experts to provide meaningful support.
They can begin by creating an environment where teenagers feel comfortable discussing their experiences.
Watch for Changes in Behaviour
Possible warning signs include:
- Persistent sadness or irritability.
- Withdrawal from friends and family.
- Loss of interest in favourite activities.
- Major changes in sleeping or eating habits.
- Declining school attendance.
- Unexplained changes in behaviour.
- Expressions of hopelessness.
These signs do not automatically indicate a mental health diagnosis, but persistent or concerning changes deserve attention.
Encourage Honest Conversations
Instead of dismissing a teenager’s concerns, listen carefully and ask how they are feeling.
Avoid statements that minimise their experiences, such as telling them that their problems are unimportant or that they should simply be more positive.
Seek Professional Help When Needed
If emotional difficulties continue or interfere with everyday activities, consider speaking with a qualified mental health professional.
If a young person expresses suicidal thoughts, take the statement seriously, stay with them if there is immediate concern, and seek urgent professional assistance.
10. Why Are the 2023 YRBS Findings Important for Public Health?
The survey provides evidence that can help guide public health planning and school-based prevention efforts.
Better Mental Health Policies
Government agencies and school districts can use the findings to identify areas where additional mental health resources may be needed.
Improved Prevention Programs
Data about bullying, social media, school safety, and emotional distress can help researchers develop more effective prevention strategies.
More Inclusive Support
Differences among student groups highlight the importance of making services accessible and responsive to different experiences.
Stronger Community Partnerships
Schools, healthcare professionals, families, and community organisations can work together to connect young people with support.
Continued Research
Repeated surveys help researchers monitor changes over time and identify emerging concerns.
The YRBS is particularly valuable because it examines multiple aspects of adolescent health rather than looking at mental health in isolation.
11. Limitations of the 2023 YRBS
Although the survey provides important information, readers should understand its limitations.
Self-reported information: The findings depend on students’ responses. Some students may not remember experiences accurately or may feel uncomfortable reporting them.
Population-level findings: National percentages do not describe every school, community, or individual student.
No proof of causation: Associations between social media, discrimination, bullying, and mental health do not establish that one factor directly caused another.
Survey measures are not clinical diagnoses: Reporting poor mental health or persistent sadness does not automatically mean that a student has a specific mental health disorder.
Different experiences across groups: Overall averages can hide important differences among demographic groups.
These limitations do not make the findings unimportant. Instead, they help readers interpret the statistics responsibly and understand why further research and individual support are necessary.
Conclusion
The 2023 YRBS reveals that mental health challenges affected a substantial proportion of American high school students. Approximately 39.7% experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness, 28.5% reported poor mental health, 20.4% seriously considered attempting suicide, and 9.5% reported attempting suicide.
The survey also identifies important differences among student groups. Female and LGBTQ+ students reported higher rates of several mental health and suicide-risk indicators than their comparison groups.
Although some measures improved between 2021 and 2023, the results demonstrate that significant challenges remain. Social media experiences, bullying, racism, and unfair school discipline were also important areas of concern.
The findings highlight the value of supportive families, trusted adults, inclusive schools, accessible counselling, and healthy community relationships. Improving student mental health requires more than responding to crises. It also means creating environments where young people feel safe, respected, connected, and comfortable asking for help.
Ultimately, the 2023 YRBS provides an important foundation for understanding adolescent well-being and developing better strategies to protect the mental health of future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does the 2023 YRBS reveal about the mental health of high school students?
The 2023 YRBS reveals that mental health difficulties were widespread among U.S. high school students. Approximately 39.7% experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness, 28.5% reported poor mental health, 20.4% seriously considered attempting suicide, and 9.5% reported attempting suicide.
2. What percentage of high school students experienced persistent sadness in 2023?
Approximately 39.7% of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness during the previous 12 months. This means roughly four in ten students reported this experience.
3. Which students were most affected by mental health challenges in the 2023 YRBS?
Female and LGBTQ+ students reported higher rates of several mental health and suicide-risk indicators than their male and heterosexual peers. The survey also identified differences across racial and ethnic groups.
4. Did student mental health improve between 2021 and 2023?
Some indicators improved. For example, persistent sadness or hopelessness among all students decreased from approximately 42% in 2021 to 40% in 2023. However, substantial mental health challenges remained, so the improvements do not mean the problem has been resolved.
5. How can schools help improve high school students’ mental health?
Schools can provide access to counselling, introduce mental health education, prevent bullying, address discrimination, support inclusive environments, and strengthen relationships between students and trusted adults. These efforts can help students feel safer, more connected, and more comfortable seeking assistance.
