NCJ Number
160989
Date Published
1995
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This report presents results and recommendations from the 1989, 1992, and 1995 Minnesota Student Surveys, which provide information on the attitudes, behaviors, and experiences of 6th, 9th, and 12th graders across the State.
Abstract
Some of the most recent findings are encouraging, in that most students reported positive feelings toward their families, teachers, and other people important to them. Most students felt good about themselves and their lives and participated in healthy, responsible activities and behaviors. The number of youth who use alcohol in the previous year continued a decline seen from 1989 to 1992. The number who reported having had sexual intercourse also decreased, a decline not seen previously. Vandalism and physical fighting among students also declined in the last 3 years. Not all trends were positive, however. Tobacco use increased for students at all grade levels. The largest increase in substance use was for marijuana, but its use among Minnesota students was lower than the national rate. Some of the environmental risk factors associated with adolescent problem behaviors declined in the past 3 years, including family violence and family alcohol and other drug problems; however, the number of adolescents who reported a suicide attempt increased slightly. Five recommendations are designed to guide strategies for addressing the problem areas revealed by the surveys.