5 Takeaways from North Carolina's Latest Youth Risk Survey

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Southpoint AccessWes Platt

North Carolina high school students reported less drinking, marijuana use, fighting, and emotional distress in 2025 than they did two years earlier.

Still, the latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey gives families and schools plenty of reasons to remain concerned.

Nearly 3 in 10 students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless. Only about 1 in 5 said they get at least eight hours of sleep, and about half said their teachers care about and encourage them. Students reporting mostly D’s or F’s were much more likely than students reporting mostly A’s to feel unsafe, struggle with their mental health, and attempt suicide.

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction officials presented the 2025 survey results to the State Board of Education on Wednesday, Aug. 5.