The 2025 Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) results are in, revealing valuable insights about the well-being of young people in Washington. This survey happens every two years, thanks to the collaboration of the Washington State Health Care Authority, the Department of Health, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Liquor and Cannabis Board.
Overall, the 2025 results show stability in mental health and substance use among teens. Many young people feel supported at school, which is crucial for their health and safety.
Academic Outcomes
Academic performance is closely linked to health. In the 2025 survey, 79% of 10th graders felt they did their best in school “often” or “almost always,” an increase from 74% in 2023. Also, 70% acknowledged that what they learn is important for their future, up from 65% previously.
Chris Reykdal, the State Superintendent, emphasized that student support leads to better academic outcomes. Washington has been active in promoting the overall wellness of children, and the survey reflects this positive trend.
Mental Health Trends
Mental health indicators show improvement as well. Key findings include:
- Anxiety: 29% of students reported feeling anxious, a drop from 31% in 2023.
- Depression: Nearly 26% experienced depressive feelings, less than the 30% reported last year.
- Hopefulness: About 75% expressed strong hope for the future, up from 71%.
Furthermore, 61% of 10th graders said they can turn to an adult when feeling down. This support is vital, as students with a trusted adult experience less anxiety and are less likely to engage in self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
Teesha Kirschbaum, director of Behavioral Health and Recovery, noted that these findings reflect the hard work of communities and families. Ongoing efforts like community programs and early intervention are crucial for sustaining youth mental health.
Substance Use Insights
Substance use rates remain low. Key statistics from 2025 include:
- Painkillers: About 1% used non-prescribed painkillers to get high in the past month, consistent with previous years.
- Illegal Drugs: Less than 1% reported using illegal drugs (excluding alcohol and cannabis), a decrease from around 2% in 2023.
Notably, use of alcohol and cannabis among 10th graders dropped. Six percent reported using cannabis, down from 8%, and 7% reported alcohol use, down from 9%.
Will Lukela from the Liquor and Cannabis Board attributed these declines to effective prevention strategies that limit youth access to drugs.
Challenges Remain
Despite positive trends, some youth still face significant challenges. This highlights the need for continued support and intervention.
Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, State Health Officer, reminded us that the survey results are a trust established by young people. It’s crucial to use this information to enhance their resilience and provide better support.
The HYS has been running since 2002 and had over 213,000 participants from grades 6-12 in 2025. Importantly, the survey is voluntary and maintains confidentiality.
For more detailed insights or to explore specific data, you can visit the Healthy Youth Survey website.
By focusing on our youth’s health and education, we can continue to foster a supportive environment that promotes their well-being and success.
