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02/15/2022 07:16 AMThe semi-annual youth survey conducted by Madison Youth & Family Services (MYFS) and Madison Public Schools revealed some interesting and counter-intuitive findings, and also presented some concerning information, especially in regard to harassment, bullying, and sexual intimidation and assault.
MYFS hosted a Feb. 3 forum to discuss the findings of the survey, which is simply a state of youth overview that delves into what collected data reveal about student trends and concerns. The survey provided some surprising data on how pandemic pressures and stressors and COVID restrictions are affecting youth, according to the MYFS.
The survey is conducted every two years, according to MYFS Director Scott Cochran, and helps MYFS and the schools keep a toe in the water of what teens and youth are feeling and thinking, and to spot trends, both positive and negative, as early as possible.
“It is primarily focused on the survey data that we collect and it includes a panel of student leaders to provide some context around the numbers,” said Cochran. “We survey because it’s the best method of getting straight data on this every two years, and in which to weigh other info on the state of our youth.”
Cochran, who coordinated the survey in conjunction with the school system, said that trends in mental health issues, including gender differences, are of most concern, along with bullying.
“When it comes to assaults and potential assaults, and harassment, those are questions we are asking now and getting some data on,” said Cochran. “Historically, we have not explored that subject as much, and we are doing that now is because students are telling us that they’re concerned in those areas. I think we need to explore that and define it in larger terms. We know these things are happening in and with our youth, but it’s not just something that we feel should be spoken about in terms of their school. We feel this is a larger community and cultural issue that we need to look at.”
The survey this year was the first in which the full effect of the pandemic could be in some way quantified, according to Cochran. The data do reveal some trends, but not necessarily in obvious ways.
Asked if the pandemic is affecting Madison youth, Cochran said “the short answer would be, ‘Yes.’”
“Clearly people have been more isolated in the last couple of years, clearly more stressed, and we see an increase in a number of different mental health issues,” Cochran said.
“Interestingly, when it comes to substance abuse, we saw the day-to-day abuse numbers declining, particularly in the lower grades, we also would attribute that to a pandemic effect. So, where we may have had higher rates of use because of peer activity and peer influence in the lower grades, you had less of that because kids were isolated at that time.”
Cochran said the use of substances by youth are down nationally and also in Madison. Though that data seems encouraging, Cochran cautioned that discerning stats and surveys is always nuanced and drawing conclusions requires careful study.
“Though generally self-reported substance abuse is down, we are concerned for that trend to reverse, especially with the legalization of marijuana, and when you see teenagers getting back to what are more normal levels of activity and influences on these decisions and behavior,” said Cochran. “Our opinion is that youth have been more isolated in the pandemic and as a result there was less pressure on students from peers, but the possibility of that trend reversing remains a concern.”
Cochran said another concerning issue is the increasing prevalence of fentanyl in the state and among Madison teens. Though most reports late last year of fentanyl-laced marijuana in Connecticut were not found to be credible, that particular form of ingestion does remains a concern, and regardless of the source, the unintended use of this poison remains a huge concern for MYFS and parents, Cochran said.
Cochran also welcomes feedback, questions, and input from all community members regardless if they have children or not. According to Cochran, a healthy and stable student body should be a concern and priority for all residents and also an excellent avenue for those who want to help to assist.
“The challenge is to get more adults in the community, not just aware of what is going with our youth, but to become more involved,” said Cochran.
To contact MYFS or to view the forum, visit MYFS at the town website www.madisonct.org.