New data from the 2025 North Carolina High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows a positive shift in student mental health. Findings presented to the State Board of Education indicate that feelings of hopelessness among high schoolers dropped to 29.7 percent. This marks a significant improvement from the 43 percent reported in 2021.
Suicide ideation rates also fell to 11.4 percent, the lowest level recorded in two decades. Researchers noted that these improvements correlate with declining social media usage and lower rates of substance use among students. The implementation of classroom cell phone restrictions appears to play a key role in reducing digital distractions and improving daily emotional states.
Despite these gains, challenges remain for students who face academic difficulties. The survey revealed that 56 percent of students struggling with D or F grades reported feeling sad or hopeless, compared to 22 percent of students earning mostly As. State officials continue to emphasize the need for earlier intervention to support these students before their conditions escalate.
Workforce shortages for school-based support personnel remain a priority. While the state secured 29 million dollars in federal grants to recruit more counselors and social workers, 23 districts currently lack any full-time school psychologists. The Department of Public Instruction is now using a 4.8 million dollar grant to fund intern stipends and housing to attract talent to high-need, rural areas.
While the data points toward progress, state officials maintain that the focus on behavioral health must continue. The goal is to provide consistent access to mental health resources that bridge the gap between identification of needs and professional intervention.