MDH: Student mental health improves; social media flagged
The Minnesota Department of Health released the 2025 Minnesota Student Survey on Dec. 9, showing broad improvements in physical and mental health and school connectedness since 2022, while new questions highlight heavy social media use, late‑night screen time, and exposure to gun violence. The survey of more than 119,000 5th, 8th, 9th and 11th graders—used by Twin Cities schools to shape services—found 11th graders’ suicide consideration at a decade‑low, declining substance use and cyberbullying, but 90% daily social media use, over half using technology between midnight and 5 a.m. weekly, and 6% of high schoolers reporting witnessing gun violence.
đź“Ś Key Facts
- Survey scope: 119,000+ MN students (grades 5, 8, 9, 11); released Dec. 9, 2025
- Trends: improved physical/mental health, stronger school connection, decreased substance use and cyberbullying
- 11th graders’ suicide consideration at lowest level in 10+ years
- Social media: ~90% of high schoolers use daily; ~40% of 11th‑grade users say they spend too much time
- Late‑night tech: >50% used tech between midnight–5 a.m. weekly; ~20% every school night
- Gun violence: 6% of high school students reported witnessing gun violence
- Officials quoted: MDH Commissioner Dr. Brooke Cunningham; MDE Commissioner Willie Jett
đź“Š Relevant Data
In the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey, 41.7% of American Indian/Alaskan Native students reported 2 or more adverse childhood experiences, compared to 22.1% of White students.
2022 Minnesota Student Survey Results — FamilyWise Services
In the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey, 19% of 11th grade females seriously considered attempting suicide in the last year, compared to 10% of males.
2022 Minnesota Student Survey Statewide Tables by Grade-Gender — Minnesota Department of Health
In the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey, 35% of 11th grade females reported feeling down, depressed, or hopeless more than half the days or nearly every day in the last two weeks, compared to 27% of males.
2022 Minnesota Student Survey Statewide Tables by Grade-Gender — Minnesota Department of Health
In the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey, 10% of 11th grade females reported four or more adverse childhood experiences, compared to 5% of males.
2022 Minnesota Student Survey Statewide Tables by Grade-Gender — Minnesota Department of Health
In the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey, 19% of 11th grade females reported alcohol use on 1 or more days in the past 30 days, compared to 16% of males.
2022 Minnesota Student Survey Statewide Tables by Grade-Gender — Minnesota Department of Health
In the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey, 12% of 11th grade females reported being cyberbullied once or more in the last 30 days, compared to 7% of males.
2022 Minnesota Student Survey Statewide Tables by Grade-Gender — Minnesota Department of Health