The KDE and CDC have released data showing harmful practices have increased in Kentucky schools. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey puts forward information regarding bullying, discrimination, vaping, and other issues in middle and high schools.
The research categorized six actions as important for analyzing health-risk behaviors. They were tobacco use, alcohol and drug use, unhealthy dietary practices, violent tendencies including self-harming, and practicing unsafe sex.
Stephanie Bunge is the KDE Health Program Administrator. She said the sample used for the Youth Risk Behavioral Survey, or YRBS, accurately reflects the reality of many commonwealth students.
“For the high school, YRBS in Kentucky there were almost 2,000 students from about 48 high schools, and then almost 1,500 middle school students in 37 middle schools across the state. So, it is a small sample, but it is scientifically drawn, proven, weighted, etc. So, the data is generalizable to the entire state,” said Bunge.
According to the document, the number of students who reported bullying in middle schools increased from 34% in 2021 to 41% in 2023. In high schools, the figure increased from 16% to 22%. The survey also showed nearly one in three students felt they were treated unfairly because of race or ethnicity in 2023.
Thomas Woods-Tucker, KDE Deputy Commissioner, said the data should be eye-opening for those involved.
“This is the real information that I believe our local boards of education our state boards of education across the country, as well as our lawmakers, should be focusing on,” said Woods-Tucker.
In 2023, 41% of surveyed high schoolers used electronic vapor products. Additionally, 42% of students reported using dietary aids like diet pills, skipping meals, and smoking cigarettes. Officials said COVID-19’s impact may be a leading cause of the sudden spike in declined student well-being.
The full survey can be accessed online through the KDE Youth Risk Behavior Survey website. National data can be found on the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System website.