Youth who feel strong connections to supportive adults in their community have reduced risk for substance use and other health and mental health problems.

A special note about 2021 YRBS data: The data from the 2021 YRBS should be interpreted with caution as due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s YRBS was done in the fall instead of the usual spring timeline, meaning that students were overall younger when they completed the survey. In addition, students who participated in the 2021 YRBS may have had a different educational and social experience compared to previous participants. Disruptions, including remote learning, lack of social interactions and extracurricular activities, are likely reflected in the survey results.

References:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Surgeon General, Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health. Washington, DC: HHS, November 2016. 

https://youth.gov/youth-topics/youth-mental-health/risk-and-protective-factors-youth 

The NEK PCE grants funds to community organizations and/or programs that can specifically have an impact on youth feeling more connected and supported by adults in their community. We also fund tranings for service providers on how to support LGBTQ youth, and Gender and Sexuality Alliances in schools.