New Data on Pennsylvania Student Thoughts of Safety and Mental Health | Harrisburg

Students in Pennsylvania public schools are self reporting slight improvements in overall mental health and feeling safe at school.

Results of the 2025 Pennsylvania Youth Survey were presented to leaders in the departments of education, drug and alcohol services, and commission on crime and delinquency this week.

There was a 5% increase of students reporting good overall mental health, compared to the 2023 survey. Feeling safe at school also saw a 5% increase.

Fewer students reported suicidal ideation, but still, one in seven students seriously considered suicide in the past year.

Bullying instances have stayed consistent, though more students believe that adults do intervene when bullying happens.

Additionally, students increasingly believe there are health and safety risks associated with alcohol, marijuana, smoking, and prescription drugs.

The biannual survey asks 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12 graders a variety of questions on school safety and culture. Fourth graders will also soThis is the third published survey.

For a copy of the report made to executive leaders, click this link.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Youth Survey, and to access reports from prior years, click this link.