The State of Our Youth: CDC Data from 2021

Mental Health

• 42% of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (57% for girls, compared to 29% of boys). The statistic for girls increased from 36% in 2011.

• 29% of high school students experienced poor mental health during the past 30 days (41% for girls, to 19% for boys).

Sexual Violence

• 8% of high school students have been physically forced to have secual intercourse when they did not want to (14% for girls, compared to 4% for boys). The statistic for girls increased from 12% in 2011.

• 11% of high school students were forced to do sexual things (including kissing, touching, or being physically forced to have sexual intercourse) when they did not want to during the past year (18% for girls, compared to 5% for boys). The statistic for girls inceased from 15% in 2017.

Bullying

• 16% of high school students were electronically bullied, including through texting, Instagram, Facebook, or tother social media, during the past year (20% for girls, compared to 11% for boys).

• 15% of high school students were bullied on school property during the past year (17% for girls, compared to 13% for boys).

Suicide

• 22% of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide during the past year (30% for girls, to 14% for boys). The statistic for girls increased from 19% in 2011.

• 18% of high school students made a suicide plan during the past year (24% for girls, compared to 12% for boys). The statistic for girls increased from 15% in 2011.

• 10% of high school students attempted suicide on or more times during the past year (14% for girls, com[ared to 7% for boys). The statistic for girls increased from 10% in 2011.