2006-02-06-YSC-rpt v2.pdf - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

BACKGROUND INFORMATION • 1,455 students completed the survey in spring 2004 • Given to students in all grades. The following list provides the distribution of survey responses by grade. > 30%9`"grade(431) > 26% 10th grade(380) > 25% 11`x`grade(364) > 18% 12th grade(260) • Similar survey given 1995 (n=655), 1999 (n=1,005),and 2002(1,422) • Youth Risk Behavior Survey focuses on various areas of risk facing youth in Massachusetts (alcohol,drugs,sexual activity,nutrition,violence). Lexington High School has integrated a number of specific questions that deal with high risk issues that are being confronted by current programs(stress, academic competition,sexual activity). AREAS OF PROGRESS SINCE 1995 1. Cigarette Smoking • Cigarette smoking has decreased dramatically since 1995. • In 2004 14%of students report they smoked in last 30 days compared to 35%in 1995 2. Marijuana use • Fewer students are reporting using Marijuana in 2004 • 20%of students report that they used marijuana over past 30 days compared to 33%in 1995. 3. Suicide • Fewer students are reporting considering or attempting suicide across the ten year study period. Decreases in consideration,plans and actual reported attempts of suicides • Ever seriously consider Suicide 23%in 1995— 16% in 2004(231 students) Develop plan to commit suicide 16%in 1995— 9%in 2004(128 Students) Actually attempt Suicide 9%in 1995— 5%in 2004(70 students) 4. Body Image and Weight • Fewer students are reporting being concerned about their weight • 54%of students reported that they felt they were the right weight in 1995 and in 2004 59%of students report feeling they are the right weight. • Still may be lingering problems related to young women trying to lose weight. 52%of the females are trying to lose weight compared to 20%of males 5. Fighting • The number of students who report that they have been in a fight in the last 12 months has decreased during the study period(36%in 1995 and 29%in 2004) • Freshman and sophomores continue to be more likely to be involved in a fight(33%)as compared to seniors(18%)