RALEIGH, N.C. (WHKY) – North Carolina high school students are reporting improvements in several health and safety behaviors, according to the 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey presented to the State Board of Education.

The survey found the state has returned to, and in many areas exceeded, pre-pandemic levels.

Students carrying a weapon on school property dropped from 3.1 percent in 2023 to 1.1 percent in 2025. Physical fighting fell from 22 percent to 16.4 percent, while students missing school because they felt unsafe dropped to 9.9 percent.

Alcohol and marijuana use are also at 20-year lows, with 16 percent reporting current alcohol use and 10.6 percent reporting marijuana use.

But challenges remain. Nearly 30 percent reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, while 11.4 percent said they had seriously considered suicide.

Only about 22 percent reported getting at least eight hours of sleep on a typical school night.

The survey also found stronger school connections, with nearly 60 percent saying they feel they belong at their school.

State education officials say the findings will help guide efforts to improve student safety, mental health, attendance and academic success.

[Information from news release courtesy of N.C. Department of Public Instruction]