CDC Published 2025 Youth Health Survey Results
New national data revealed improvements in high school sports participation and mental health metrics for students.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Teens
Live Poll
Should federal teen health reports focus primarily on nutrition and physical activity?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published the 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey on September 22, 2025. The results showed positive trends in physical activity and mental well-being among U.S. high school students.
Why it matters
The report provides critical insights into the physical and emotional state of adolescents, aligning with federal health initiatives that focus on the connection between nutrition, sedentary behavior, and chronic disease outcomes.
In 2025, 58% of high school students participated in a sports team, compared to 52% in 2023. Additionally, persistent sadness or hopelessness in girls dropped to 43% from a peak of 57% in 2021.
The players
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The CDC is the leading national public health institute of the United States tasked with protecting public health through the control and prevention of disease.
The details
The CDC surveyed high school students nationwide to track behavioral health trends, including the inclusion of questions regarding transgender identity. Findings indicate that approximately one-third of students now engage with social media at least every hour.
Timeline
2021 marked the peak of reported persistent sadness in girls at 57%.
2023 served as the data collection period for the previous survey iteration.
2025 represented the data collection period for the current survey.
September 22, 2025, was the official publication date for the findings.
Culture Shift
This release updates the longitudinal tracking conducted by the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. The report reflects a notable shift in adolescent wellness metrics compared to data sets established over the last four years.
These trends may influence local school district decisions regarding the prioritization of sports programs and mental health resources. Families can use these findings to discuss health habits and social media consumption limits with their children.
The takeaway
The data suggests a meaningful rebound in adolescent engagement and emotional well-being following the challenges observed earlier in the decade. Parents and educators may find this information useful for tailoring support strategies for high schoolers.
Further reading
For more information on current trends, visit the Teens section.
Live Poll
Should federal teen health reports focus primarily on nutrition and physical activity?
