A recent study reveals that while U.S. adolescents have increasingly refrained from risky behaviors such as substance use and violence between 1999 and 2021, there has been a notable rise in depressive symptoms among a smaller portion of youth. Published in Pediatrics (April 2025), the research analyzed data from the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveys, covering responses from 178,658 high school students.
Findings showed a steady decline in behaviors like unsafe sexual activities, substance use, and violence. However, less than nine percent of students reported heightened mental health concerns, including increased symptoms of hopelessness and suicidality, signaling a need for targeted public health interventions.
“The increasing prevalence of adolescents avoiding risky behaviors is encouraging,” said Rebekah Levine Coley, Ph.D., lead researcher and professor at Boston College. “However, the growing proportion of youth with depressive symptoms highlights critical areas for prevention and treatment efforts.”
For further details, refer to the study: Coley, R. L., et al. (2025). Trends in Mental and Behavioral Health Risks in Adolescents: 1999-2021. PEDIATRICS. doi.org/10.1542/peds.2024-068774
