US teens report highest levels of sexual violence, stress in 10 years: report

According to the latest data from the CDC, nearly three out of every five American teen girls reported feelings of hopelessness in 2021 — nearly twice as many as among teen boys in the country.

In addition, the number of reported cases of sexual violence and suicide risk among teen girls in the US has increased in the same year.

The US CDC noted in its Youth Risk Behavior Survey that at least one in 10 high school girls said they have been forced to have sex—a 27% increase since a survey conducted in 2019 Is.

In addition, a third of girls surveyed said they were considering taking their own lives – a 60% increase since 2011.

The CDC, which has conducted the youth survey every two years for three decades, collects responses from high school students.

The CDC’s key findings about American teens:

• 57% of teen girls reported feeling sad or hopeless in 2021
• 30% reported contemplating suicide
• 18% experienced sexual violence
• 14% reported ever being forced to have sex.

In addition, CDC data underscores rising stress levels among LGBTQ teens. More than one in five LGBTQ teens reported that they had attempted suicide during the past year.

Other recent reports have also found worsening rates of depression and anxiety among young LGBTQ people in the US, when nearly one in five high school students do not identify as heterosexual.

The survey findings revealed that COVID has also severely affected the mental health of adolescents. Overall, more than 40% of high school students reported feeling so sad or hopeless that they could not engage in their regular activities for at least two weeks, the CDC noted.

Last year, the US Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel of experts that guides US health recommendations, said all children age 8 and older should be screened for anxiety.

Tackling the teen mental health crisis in America:

Tackling the mental health crisis in the US has become a priority for the Biden administration. In January 2023, the US Department of Health and Human Services awarded nearly $245 million in bipartisan Safer Communities Act funding to support youth mental health programs.

In addition, the Seattle City School District filed a new lawsuit against Alphabet Inc., Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc., and other tech companies, alleging that social media contributes to students’ anxiety, depression, and other psychological troubles. Similar claims were filed last year by families of children in danger.

Alphabet responded to the Seattle suit, saying it has invested in creating a safe experience for children and prioritized their well-being.

Meanwhile, the US CDC said it is helping schools mount more support services and educational programs aimed at teaching students about sexual consent and how to manage emotions. The agency works with school districts across the country to create inclusive education programs.