A new survey from YouthTruth, a national nonprofit, reveals concerning impacts from the pandemic for American students. The survey, which queried more than 200,000 students in grades 3-12, found an uptick in mental health concerns and a downturn in college hopes.
About the survey
YouthTruth surveyed 153,475 students in grades 6-12 and 53,910 students in grades 3-5. Students attended 585 schools in 19 states. (North Carolina was not included.) Students submitted survey responses between January-May 2021.
Most students reported learning virtually in 2021.
- 14% attended school in person.
- 64% attended school virtually.
- 20% attended school in a hybrid environment.
Key findings–mental health
A number of challenges have made learning difficult for students. Here are the top three:
- 49% cited “feeling depressed, stressed, or anxious.”
- 38% cited “distractions at home and family responsibilities.”
- 27% cited “my health or the health of my family members.”
The percentage of students who report feeling depressed, stressed, or anxious has risen steadily, from 39% in Spring 2020 to 46% in Fall 2020 to 49% in Spring 2021. Students also perceive that adults at school are less accessible than they were before the pandemic.
Source: YouthTruth
Key findings–college hopes
More high school seniors say their plans are shifting as the pandemic continues.
- In Spring 2020, 18% said their plans were changing.
- A year later, in Spring 2021, 28% said their plans were changing.
Source: YouthTruth
What are seniors planning to do after graduation?
- 48% said they planned to attend a four-year college, down from 52% before COVID.
- 20% said they planned to attend a two-year college.
- 8% said they planned to work full-time.
- 10% said they were unsure.
Read a full report about the survey from the 74 here.
