This resource summarizes findings from the 2018 and 2021 Healthy Youth Survey (HYS), which is administered every two years to students in Washington State in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12. The survey asks students their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors pertaining to a variety of health and safety topics, including school climate and community safety, anxiety and depression, substance use and misuse, and healthy eating habits and physical activity.
This resource specifically highlights data on certain mental health topics, hope, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). A few other questions on mental health show some significant differences between students experiencing housing insecurity and their securely-housed peers. We hope the data highlighted here can help inform schools, parents, public health professionals, human service agencies, and policymakers of the unique health and well-being needs of students experiencing housing insecurity.
Please note that this presentation includes discussion of topics including mental health challenges and self-harm. We acknowledge this content may be difficult and encourage readers to engage to the extent they are comfortable.
