NC leaders to release new youth mental health data

August 5, 2026 - 06:52

State education leaders are preparing to share the latest results from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey with the State Board of Education, offering a new look at how students are coping emotionally and socially. The data, collected from high school students across North Carolina, is expected to highlight both progress and ongoing concerns in youth mental health, particularly around persistent sadness, suicidal thoughts, and school connectedness.

The survey, conducted every two years, tracks a range of behaviors that affect student well-being, including substance use, violence, and mental health struggles. This cycle's results come after several years of heightened attention to the emotional toll of the pandemic on young people. While earlier rounds showed alarming spikes in feelings of hopelessness, officials are hoping the new numbers will show whether those trends have stabilized or improved.

According to the Department of Public Instruction, the presentation will break down responses by demographic groups, including race, gender, and grade level. That breakdown matters because mental health challenges often hit certain student populations harder than others. School leaders say the goal is not just to report statistics but to guide local districts in targeting support where it is needed most, such as expanding school-based counseling or peer support programs.

The State Board of Education is expected to discuss how the findings might shape upcoming policy decisions, including funding for mental health staff and training for teachers. No specific recommendations have been released yet, but the meeting is set to include time for board members to ask questions and suggest next steps. The full report will be made available to the public after the presentation, giving parents and community groups a chance to see how their local schools compare to state averages.