The latest statewide Minnesota Student Survey shows the pandemic may have had more of a negative impact on students than anticipated.
Data show increases in the number of 5th thru 11th graders reporting long term mental health problems, serious suicidal thoughts, instances of bullying, and feeling less engaged in school.
Minnesota Department of Health senior researcher Sharrilyn Helgertz says the findings will be used to help allocate resources, but in the meantime, she says support from parents and other loving adults can help.
“Students who report that they have some adult that they can turn to when they have problems or that the adult they have care for them, that they do better, even under the same risky circumstances,” says Helgertz.
She adds despite some of the survey's disturbing findings, there are some bright spots.
“Smoking, the use of conventional tobacco products is in the lower single-digits,” Helgertz told WCCO. “I think it was 2% of 9th graders had smoked a cigarette in the past 30 days. That’s incredible. I’ve been doing evaluation and surveillance for tobacco for 20 years, and I’m just so delighted to be seeing these numbers.”
Students also reported healthier behaviors related to sex, drugs and alcohol.
You can see all of the survey information via MDH here.
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