District survey shows mixed trends in student substance use and mental‑health indicators

Gina, a district staff member who presented the Marblehead youth risk behavior (SERP) survey on May 20, summarized multi‑year, student‑reported trends the district uses to design prevention and social‑emotional learning (SEL) programming.

Gina told the committee the survey had roughly a 75% response rate and is used as a baseline and trend tool rather than a diagnostic instrument. She reported several headline findings the district is using to guide programming: lifetime alcohol use ~32%, lifetime nicotine use ~28%, lifetime cannabis use ~15%; clinical‑risk symptom estimates presented included anxiety at about 19%, depression at about 10% and approximately 6% for items related to psychotic‑symptom screening. Gina also reported notable protective factors: almost 60% of students feel connected to a staff member, and participation in structured activities is common. She said substance use on school property has declined from 27% to about 10% over the last three years.

Committee members pressed Gina on whether earlier age of first use correlated with daily or near‑daily use; Gina said the survey vendor can provide cross‑tabulations on request. Members also discussed possible reasons for some downward trends, including earlier prevention and SEL programming and broader generational shifts; Gina and other staff emphasized the limits of self‑reported survey data and the district’s intent to use the findings to refine tiered interventions and targeted supports.

Why this matters: The survey identifies groups and behaviors the district prioritizes for programming and helps justify investments in health education, counseling and early prevention. Members asked for more disaggregated analysis (for example, correlation of age at first use with daily use) and for ongoing reporting cadence to monitor progress.

What’s next: Staff said they will supply additional cross‑tabulation on request and incorporate the results into plans for fall programming and parent/community engagement.