Youth Voices Count Survey Results

#AllOurKids

The Youth Voices Count Survey, conducted by HKYFS in December 2025, offers critical insights into the perspectives and experiences of students enrolled in Haddam-Killingworth public schools, grades 7-12. The data collected from this survey will play a pivotal role in informing the development of strategies, policies, and practices not only for HKYFS but also for other educational and social service organizations in the community. It’s important to note that while this survey was administered within the school setting, the findings are intended to reflect the broader communities of Haddam and Killingworth rather than solely representing the school environment.

The objectives of the survey are twofold:

• Firstly, to describe youth perceptions and experiences related to substance use, mental health, school environment, social media, and online gaming, and
• Secondly, the information provided by youth should be utilized to inform and enhance initiatives and activities tailored for youth in the community.

This comprehensive survey aims to systematically capture the voices of youth and leverage their insights to drive meaningful improvements and support initiatives that resonate with the needs of the community.

Survey Outcomes

In the fall semester of 2025 youth at Haddam-Killingworth High School, grades 7-12, participated in the Youth Voices Count Survey on youth lifestyles, substance use, mental health, related risk, and protective factors. The overall response rate was 85.2%.

Alcohol remains the most used substance in youths’ lifetimes.

Youth from Haddam-Killingworth who have used any substance in their lifetime are more likely to have increased behavioral health concerns, including thoughts of self-harm and self-harm behaviors, feeling sad or hopeless two or more weeks in a row, have considered suicide, and have experienced food insecurity.

Research shows that parents are the leading influence on youths’ decisions on whether to use substances or not. These show the percentages of youth reporting their parents or friends feel it is moderately or greatly wrong to use alcohol or marijuana.

Mental Health in the Past Year