In a recent meeting of the Hopkinton School Committee, critical insights emerged from the latest MetroWest adolescent health survey, shedding light on the mental health and substance use trends among local students. The survey, conducted in the fall of 2023, involved over 1,600 middle and high school students, providing a comprehensive snapshot of adolescent well-being in the community.

The data revealed concerning statistics regarding mental health. Among middle school students, 12% reported experiencing depressive symptoms, while this figure rose to 16% for high school students. Alarmingly, 9% of both groups reported serious suicidal thoughts, with middle school girls being particularly vulnerable—twice as likely to experience depressive symptoms compared to boys. LGBTQ+ youth also faced heightened risks, with 2.7 times more likelihood of depressive symptoms and 3.8 times more likely to consider suicide than their non-LGBTQ+ peers.

The survey also highlighted the relationship between mental health and substance use. High school students with depressive symptoms were more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as vaping and alcohol consumption. For instance, 10% of those with depressive symptoms reported vaping nicotine, compared to just 6% of their peers without such symptoms.

Digital media use emerged as another significant factor affecting students' lives. The survey indicated that 33% of middle schoolers and 45% of high schoolers used smartphones for more than three hours a day. This excessive screen time correlated with negative impacts on school performance and physical health, with 25% of middle school students acknowledging that digital media affected their attention in class.

Despite these challenges, many students are seeking help. Approximately 39% of middle school students and 38% of high school students reported talking to a school counselor about their emotional challenges. However, the data suggests that there may still be a substantial number of students in need of support.

The committee discussed how this data will inform future initiatives. The high school plans to integrate the findings into their school improvement plan, aiming to reduce reported stress and depressive symptoms among students by 2026. The hope is that ongoing efforts will lead to improved mental health outcomes in the coming years.

As the community reflects on these findings, the importance of addressing mental health and substance use among adolescents remains clear. The data serves not only as a wake-up call but also as a foundation for proactive measures to support the well-being of Hopkinton's youth.