Results of a new Howard County Health Department (HCHD) survey indicate that the kids are, indeed, alright. Or at least trending in that direction.
Findings from the 2024-2025 school year’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) show consistent declines in alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and electronic smoking device use among both middle and high school students, a sign that substance‑use prevention and education efforts have had positive impact. Data regarding youth mental health were more complicated, with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and suicide-related behaviors increasing in some groups and decreasing in others.
The survey reflects changes from 2013 through 2024 and tracked key health and behavioral indicators among middle and high school students. A close look at the trends and findings over the last decade-plus of survey results will shape future Howard County initiatives aimed at improving youth mental health and substance use prevention. A general summary of the findings shows:
- Significant declines in alcohol use across both middle and high school students overall.
- Reductions in marijuana, tobacco, and ESD use across most demographic groups.
- A major decrease in high school suicide attempts in recent years.
- Decreases in suicide planning and consideration among Hispanic high school students.
- Recent reductions in reported sadness or hopelessness among middle school White students and high school female students.
“Taken together, these trends show a clear picture of both progress and ongoing challenges for our youth,” said Antigone Vickery, deputy health officer. “We are encouraged by the significant declines in alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and ESD use, as well as the substantial reduction in high school suicide attempts—these improvements reflect the impact of consistent community education, prevention programs, and partnerships across Howard County.”
Vickery noted, however, that the rise in reports of sadness and hopelessness, especially in middle school students, show them where their work is not done.
“Strengthening mental health supports, expanding early intervention, and continuing open conversations will be essential as we work to ensure every young person feels supported, connected, and valued,” Vickery said.
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball agrees. He sees the Youth Risk Behavior Survey as a chance to examine over a decade of trends of youth behavior, progress, and where they need support.
“Our county’s young people are at the heart of our work to build a healthier, safer, and more resilient community,” Ball said. “From the launch of our Youth Engagement Programming to expanding our Summer Youth Employment Program, teen focused programming and events, the adoption of school-based mental health care at all Howard County public schools, and breaking ground on The Source community center, my team has remained focused on meeting the needs of our younger population since taking office in December 2018.”
In middle school students, there was a significant increase in students reporting sadness or hopelessness between 2013 and 2024, from 19.4 percent to 29.0 percent. That rise crossed demographics, though some improvements were seen among white students between 2022 and 2024.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in middle schoolers showed mixed patterns. There were increases in Black students and female students considering suicide and decreases in suicide planning and attempts among multiracial students.
Alcohol use among middle school students has decreased from 6.0 percent to 3.7 percent since 2013, with decreases seen across most demographic groups. There was an increase seen in male students between 2022 and 2024. The use of marijuana, tobacco, and electronic smoking devices (ESD) has all decreased across most groups, with each category showing overall declines.
In high schools, the proportion of students who reported sadness or hopelessness increased from 23.3 percent to 28.3 percent from 2013 to 2024. While several demographic groups showed this increase, female students showed a decrease between 2022 and 2024.
Thoughts of suicide and suicidal planning decreased for Hispanic students, and suicide attempts dropped significantly overall in recent years, from 16.1 percent to 5.6 percent between 2021 and 2024.
As with middle school students, alcohol use with high schoolers has substantially decreased since 2013, dropping from 30.1 percent to 12.7 percent. Marijuana, tobacco, and ESD use also declined across all reported demographic groups, showing consistent reductions over the past decade.
While the improvements in mental health of Howard County’s youth bear celebrating and amplifying, the Howard County Health Department is paying close attention to the three key trends that cause them concern:
- Rising reports of sadness or hopelessness among both middle and high school students.
- Increases in suicide consideration and attempts among specific middle school groups, particularly Black students and female students.
- A recent uptick in alcohol use among middle school males.
HCHD approaches mental health concerns with a comprehensive, evidence-based Suicide Prevention Program, which includes the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and other specialized supports for youth they promote. Adults should know about initiatives like the Gun Lock Giveaway Program, which provides free firearm safety locks at all branches of the Howard County Library and at the Health Department. Safe storage of firearms prevents accidents or unauthorized use.
The county also has the “It’s OK to Ask” campaign, aimed at reducing stigma about talking about mental health. It was originally a youth-focused suicide prevention initiative, but now it reaches people of all ages and cultures. It encourages people to seek help and includes culturally responsive resources on the Department’s Suicide Prevention webpage.
Always looking for more ways to reach youth who need help, the HCHD is developing new tools to get information to youth and their parents, and to include the ideas and opinions of youth in these efforts. The Teen Health Matters website is revised with input from students, and a Youth Advisory Council is being developed to make sure today’s programs meet the needs of the county’s youth. These initiatives are expected to launch later this fall.
