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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4th, 2026
Contact: McKenna Gregg, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Superintendent Hedalen Releases 2025 Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey Results, Highlights Significant Progress in Student Health and School Safety
HELENA, Mont.—Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen announced the 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) results today, showing significant progress in student health, school safety, mental health, and substance use prevention across Montana schools.
YRBS serves as one of the state’s most valuable tools for understanding the real experiences of Montana students and ensuring schools, communities, and policymakers are making informed, data-driven decisions that support student success and health.
“I am incredibly proud to see more Montana youth taking their health seriously, growing in their personal confidence, and taking self-initiative to lead successful lives.” said Superintendent Susie Hedalen. “The Youth Risk Behavior Survey gives us an incredibly important snapshot of the health and well-being of Montana students. This data is essential to guiding our health and school safety initiatives at the Office of Public Instruction. It allows us to identify areas of success, recognize where additional support is needed, and ensure we are making informed decisions that positively impact students across our state.”
The YRBS is administered in the spring of odd numbered years in collaboration between the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention. Students in grades 9-12 from participating high schools fill out the anonymous survey and results are aggregated to protect student privacy. The Office of Public Instruction uses YRBS data to help shape statewide programming and policies focused on suicide prevention, substance abuse prevention, school safety, student health and wellness, and mental health supports.
“We truly value the data we receive from this survey,” Hedalen said. “We are incredibly thankful to the schools that continue to participate and provide Montana with this critical information. Their partnership helps guide meaningful prevention efforts and strengthens our ability to support students, educators, and families.”
2025 Highlights by Category
Depression, Self-Harm, & Suicide
There was a decrease in students reporting feelings of sadness or hopelessness, highlighting the effectiveness of school and community efforts to support student wellbeing. Suicide ideation rates also reached a 30-year low.
Nicotine, Drug, and Alcohol Usage
Nicotine usage trended downward across most categories, underscoring continued progress and healthier outcomes.
Sexual Behaviors
A significant decline was observed in the proportion of students reporting sexual activity.
Physical Activity & Nutrition
There has been a notable rise in both physical activity levels and vegetable intake among students, highlighting improved wellness behaviors.
You can review the report here.
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