5 CDC Updates on Increasing Bullying and Violence and Slight Decrease in Teen Depression

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while there has been a slight decrease in depression and suicidal activity among teens since 2021, there has been a troubling increase in violence, bullying, and school avoidance.

Results from a survey conducted in 2023 revealed that two in ten teens were bullied at school, and one in ten did not attend school due to safety concerns, marking a 4% increase since 2021. Additionally, there was a 2% increase in the number of teens who were injured or threatened at school. The survey also showed that about one in ten teens experienced sexual violence, a figure consistent with two years ago.

The 2023 CDC survey included new questions related to racism, unfair discipline, and social media use. Shockingly, nearly one-third of students reported being discriminated against at school based on their race or ethnicity by either educators or peers.

While there have been some improvements in addressing the youth mental health crisis, such as a decrease in suicide attempts among Black students from 14% in 2021 to 10% in 2023, there are still concerning rates of depressive symptoms among certain demographic groups. Approximately half of female and Hispanic students continue to experience depressive symptoms at rates higher than the national average.

“The data released today show improvements in young people’s mental well-being, but there is still work to be done,” stated Debra Houry, the chief medical officer at the CDC. “Every child should feel safe and supported, and CDC will continue its efforts until we reach that goal.”

According to the survey, only about half of teens feel close to others at school, with specific groups like girls, LGBTQ youth, and Native youth being more vulnerable to risky behaviors such as substance use, violence, depression, and suicidality.

Despite the concerning rise in aggressive behavior among teens, experts note that this trend is not entirely unexpected due to the lingering impacts of the pandemic on social development and communication skills.

The survey data also revealed that overall rates of sexual activity and drug use among teens have remained relatively stable since 2021, with fewer teens engaging in risky behaviors compared to a decade ago.

Child psychologist Deborah Offner highlighted that while there have been modest declines in depressive symptoms and suicidality, the improvement can be attributed partially to the resumption of social interactions in schools and activities post-pandemic.

The CDC recommended that schools prioritize adolescent well-being by implementing strong health education programs and fostering relationships and belonging among students. Suggestions included mentorship programs and training school staff to be attentive listeners to students.

Below are five key findings from the report:

1. Violence and bullying increased by 2% and 4%, respectively, from 2021 to 2023. About two in ten teens were bullied, and one in ten avoided school due to safety concerns.

Sexual violence remained prevalent in 2023, with approximately one in ten teens experiencing it. Girls and LGBTQ youth were more likely to report instances of sexual and physical violence compared to their peers.

2. In 2023, there was a 2% decrease in the proportion of teens feeling persistently sad or hopeless or making suicide plans. However, more teens reported depressive symptoms than a decade ago.

While there was a decrease in the number of girls experiencing depressive symptoms and considering suicide compared to 2021, girls still had higher rates of these issues, with over half reporting depressive symptoms.

Among LGBTQ youth, six in ten felt persistent sadness or hopelessness, and two in ten had attempted suicide.

Offner emphasized that while social media is often blamed for depression, other factors like family-related conflicts and academic pressure also contribute to teens’ mental health issues.

3. One-third of teens experienced racism, and nearly two in ten were unfairly disciplined at school.

Following the CDC’s new questions, 32% of high school students reported being discriminated against based on their race at school. Asian, multiracial, and Black students reported higher instances of racism compared to their peers.

On average, 19% of teens were unfairly disciplined at school. Male, Native, Black, and multiracial students reported higher rates of unfair discipline compared to the national average.

4. There were no significant changes in teens’ sexual behavior from 2021. Overall, students are engaging in less sexual activity than in 2013.

While the percentage of teens who reported having had sex decreased from ten years ago, those who did engage in sexual activity displayed more risky behaviors. There was also a decline in the use of contraception among sexually active teens.

Reasons for the decreased sexual activity may include increased maturity and a desire for more meaningful relationships among teens.

5. Alcohol, marijuana, and illicit drug use among teens is on the decline. However, vulnerable populations like LGBTQ, Native youth, and girls show higher rates of substance use compared to their peers.

In 2023, about 22% of teens reported consuming alcohol, down from 35% a decade ago. Girls were slightly more likely to drink compared to boys. The proportion of Black teens drinking, while increased from 2021, remained below the national average.     

Approximately 17% of teens reported using marijuana, a rate consistent with 2021. The overall use of illicit drugs among teens has decreased by 6% over the past decade.

Offner noted that today’s teens are more health-conscious and are increasingly choosing sobriety. The stigma around substance use has lessened, making it more acceptable for teens to abstain from alcohol and drugs.

SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resourcesThe Trevor Project’s